Donald Trump Signs Belarus Democracy Act

The law expands the U.S. president's authority to impose sanctions against the Lukashenka regime.

Acting U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act. As previously reported, the document provides additional authority to the President of the United States to impose sanctions in connection with the elections of 2020 in Belarus and the events following them.

Earlier the Act was approved by the U.S. Senate. The bill was introduced by Congressman Chris Smith. He co-authored the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, 2006, and 2011.

As noted in an explanation to the document, it thus expands "the authority of the President of the United States to impose sanctions" in connection with the 2020 elections in Belarus.

"The President of the United States may impose visa sanctions against any foreigner who is a member of the Central Election Commission of Belarus or has participated in the manipulation of elections, or against a government official responsible for crackdowns on independent media, or a representative of the Union State, or a Russian citizen significantly involved in the crackdown on media and human rights abuses relating to political repression in Belarus," - the text says.

In addition, the updated Act of Democracy in Belarus contains the following provisions:

Recognizes the Coordination Council as a legitimate institution to engage in a dialogue on the peaceful transfer of power and does not recognize Aliaksandr Lukashenka as "the legally elected leader of Belarus."

Calls for new presidential and parliamentary elections to be held in a free and fair manner, in accordance with OSCE standards

Calls for the release of all political prisoners without preconditions;

Supports the aspirations of the people of Belarus for freedom of religion;

Allows assistance to promote democracy and civil society in Belarus;

Declares that the United States does not recognize the inclusion of Belarus in the so-called Union State with Russia;

Demands a U.S. strategy to promote broadcasting, Internet freedom, and access to information;

Supports Belarusian media and representatives of the IT sector.