By Janet Ekstrct
ISTANBUL- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement entitled “Promoting Accountability for Human Rights Abuses Perpetrated by the Governments of Russia and Belarus” said the U.S. with support from its allies and partners is taking action to promote accountability on Russian and Belarus governments for human rights abuses and violations within and outside their borders during the war on Ukraine.
The statement reiterates a “condemnation of President Putin’s premeditated, unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine, as well as the Lukashenko regime’s support and facilitation of the Russian Federation’s invasion.” It further adds that Putin’s military campaign against Ukraine is the cause of “extensive and needless suffering, many hundreds and likely thousands of civilian casualties, including children, and growing reports of human rights abuses and violations.” Blinken’s statement goes on to explain that the Russian government is engaged in a crackdown on its own citizens freedom of expression, “including members of the press, as well as freedom of association and peaceful assembly.” Those who report the facts on the war on Ukraine or criticize Putin face criminal charges.
In addition, the statement says that Lukashenko’s regime in Belarus “continues its violent repression against civil society, anti-war protesters, the democratic opposition, independent media and ordinary Belarusians.” The U.S. Department of State in response is announcing a series of actions to hit the Russian Federation and the Government of Belarus:
Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko is publicly designated for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and significant corruption. Under this authority, Lukashenko and Lukashenko’s family are ineligible to enter the U.S. – this includes his most immediate family members. In addition, 11 high-ranking military defense brass are also sanctioned for their brutal military campaign in Ukraine. There is also a new visa restriction policy of the Immigration and Nationality Act that applies to current and former Russian government officials who are believed to be involved in suppressing dissent in Russia and abroad. Their family members will also be ineligible for visas. The first action was taken against 38 people and the U.S. government will continue to implement this policy in a demonstration of solidarity with the victims of Russia’s repression. Also, the designation of two of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) officers in Crimea – Artur Shambazov and Andrey Tishenin for their involvement in a gross violation of human rights, namely torture.
Also, being held accountable are visa restrictions on six people involved in attacks on Chechen dissidents on behalf of the Russian Federation who were living in Europe. The U.S. State Department says this action is taken pursuant to the “Khashoggi Ban” a visa restriction policy the Biden administration announced last year to counter transnational repression. There is a further visa restriction on 25 more people responsible for undermining democracy in Belarus. Other sanctions will be taken against top Chechen officials in violation of human rights in Ukraine. As the U.S. State Department has stated: “Under President Putin, Russian authorities have repeatedly targeted human rights advocates, peaceful dissenters, and whistleblowers, and they continue to do so amidst their ruthless war on Ukraine. The Russian government has failed to take adequate steps to identify, investigate, prosecute, or punish most officials who committed abuses or violations, resulting in a climate of impunity. “Likewise Lukashenko’s regime will be equally held accountable for its atrocities, the State Department said.
