Belarus imposes penalties for advocating sanctions
Réponding to the West's New Sanctions, Belarus Braces for Counteroffensives
The Belarusian government is cracking down hard on those who dare to call for sanctions, saying it could land you in prison for up to a decade. That's according to BelTA, citing the Belarusian president's press service. You could be looking at six years if your calls were aimed at "average citizens", and up to ten years if you're a public official using your authority to trumpet for sanctions, causing trade restrictions or adding legal entities to sanctions lists. Yikes!
In early December, the US, the UK, Canada, and EU countries announced fresh sanctions on Belarus. Some 20 individuals, 12 organizations, and three aircraft were targeted, all due to the migration crisis brewing at the border with the republic.
With little concrete intel on Belarus's forthcoming countermeasures, consider this: Belarus is no stranger to the burdens of sanctions, like struggling to keep its air fleet flying due to lack of spare parts[3]. Belarus and Russia have been resourcefully intertwined, with Belarus even helping manufacture ammunition for Russia's military[4].
It's no surprise that Belarus could align any upcoming countermeasures with its ongoing alliance with Russia. They've welcomed new warplanes from the big brother, and they've steadily built a bond with Russia's defense sector[3][4]. Furthermore, it seems Russia's already ready to smack back against Western sanctions by nationalizing assets, implementing price controls, restricting capital flows, and boosting state-directed subsidies[2].
So, buckle up, Belarus; you've got tough decisions ahead!
Amidst the escalating sanctions, the Belarusian government is likely to respond with countermeasures that could involve policy and legislation changes, especially given the country's close ties with Russia, as shown in their alliance and sharing of resources. As politics heat up between Belarus and the West, expect general news and updates on war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation developments related to the ongoing sanctions.
