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Britain, Canada Sanction Belarus' Lukashenko, Top Officials

VOA News

   Britain and Canada have imposed sanctions on Belarusian President
   Alexander Lukashenko, his son and other top officials for allegedly
   rigging the country's presidential election and committing acts of
   violence against protesters.

   The sanctions are the first imposed by major Western powers against
   Belarusian government officials and subject them to an immediate travel
   ban and asset freeze.

   Lukashenko's post-election crackdown has resulted in the arrest of more
   than 12,000 people who participated in mass demonstrations that erupted
   after he claimed victory in an election that opponents allege was
   stolen. Lukashenko has denied the election was fixed.

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