Opposition Leader’s Visit to Ottawa Prompts Canada to Implement Further Sanctions on Belarus

Canada is imposing additional sanctions on Belarus officials as the exiled opposition leader from the country visits Ottawa.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has placed sanctions on 21 individuals accused of human rights violations in Belarus following its controversial 2020 presidential election.

Belarus, often referred to as the continent’s last dictatorship, continues to uphold many Soviet Union-era restrictions and policies.

The latest round of sanctions on Belarus was announced by the Liberals as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Parliament Hill.

Global Affairs Canada states that the sanctions are aimed at high-ranking government officials, including prosecutors, security personnel, and administrators of penal colonies where peaceful protesters against corruption and autocracy are detained.

Mr. Trudeau mentioned that Ottawa also supports civil society organizations advocating for democracy in Belarus, including independent media.

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“As democratic principles are backsliding, are under attack from misinformation, disinformation and propaganda, your continued efforts are admirable and important,” Mr. Trudeau told Ms. Tsikhanouskaya in his office at the beginning of their Monday morning meeting.

She expressed gratitude towards Mr. Trudeau for Canada’s unwavering support and solidarity in undermining the regime in Belarus, emphasizing that her people aspire to have the same freedoms enjoyed by Canadians on a daily basis.

“No one war, no one fight can (be) won when you’re alone. And on this path, we need strong allies, strong partners like Canada, for us not to feel abandoned,” she remarked.

“It’s really walking a long and difficult path, and of course we want you to go (down) this path together with us.”