Washington, Sept 6 (AFP/APP):The United States on Monday denounced prison sentences handed down against two opposition figures in Belarus who challenged President Alexander Lukashenko.
“The United States condemns the politically motivated conviction and shameful sentencing today of Belarusian opposition figures Maria Kolesnikova and Maxim Znak,” the Statement Department said in a statement.
The pair were sentenced Monday to 11 and 10 years in prison, respectively.
Kolesnikova led unprecedented protests against Lukashenko last year. Znak is a lawyer and fellow opposition activist.
During the closed-door trial authorities had accused the pair of violating national security and conspiring to seize power.
“Regrettably, these sentencings are further evidence of the regime’s total disregard for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Belarus,” the State Department said.
“We reiterate our call for an end to the campaign of repression against the people of Belarus for exercising their human rights inside and outside Belarus and for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners — including Ms. Kolesnikova and Mr. Znak,” it added.
Last month President Joe Biden signed an executive order expanding sanctions which have been in place on Belarus since 2006, targeting a slew of Belarusian officials, business executives and companies.
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