Dominic Raab prepares sanctions against those responsible for 'serious human rights violations' in Belarus

Dominic Raab has ordered the preparation of sanctions against those responsible for “serious human rights violations” in Belarus amid concerns of violence and repression.

The Foreign Secretary told MPs the Government does not accept the result of August’s “rigged” election and said action would be taken following the “fraudulent” inauguration of Alexander Lukashenko as president.

Thousands of people in Belarus have taken part in more than six weeks of rallies against the authoritarian leader’s re-election.

Making a statement to the Commons, Mr Raab said: “The world has watched in horror at the response of the Belarussian authorities.

“They launched a campaign of violence, intimidation and harassment against peaceful protesters.

“We’ve seen horrific scenes of militia attacking demonstrators and then dragging them away.

“UN human rights experts report the authorities have beaten those they held in detention and threatened female protesters with violence, including rape.”

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