The self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has issued a warning that Belarusian services may use repressive measures against relatives of those who oppose the regime and have fled the country.
His comments suggest that the regime could target the families of exiled dissidents as a means of pressure, raising concerns about human rights abuses in Belarus.
Warning to Regime Opponents
During a meeting of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, Lukashenko indicated that Belarusian authorities could take action against relatives of opponents who have sought refuge abroad. He implied that property and family connections could be used to exert pressure on those who continue to criticize the regime from outside the country.
"Don't forget that you have some property here...you can forget about that property. But don't put your relatives under attack," Lukashenko said, according to the state news agency BelTA.
In January, Belarus experienced mass raids against the relatives of political prisoners and former political prisoners.
International Sanctions Against Belarus
In response to the repressive practices of the Belarusian regime, the United States and Canada imposed new sanctions on April 15 against individuals and legal entities involved in supporting Lukashenko's regime.
These sanctions are part of ongoing international efforts to hold Belarus accountable for human rights violations and to support those who oppose the authoritarian government.
