3.8.2023   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

LI 195/1


COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/1591

of 3 August 2023

implementing Article 8a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 of 18 May 2006 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine (1), and in particular Article 8a(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

(1)

On 18 May 2006, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 765/2006.

(2)

In view of the gravity of the situation in Belarus and its involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine, 38 individuals and three entities should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006.

(3)

Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 3 August 2023.

For the Council

The President

P. NAVARRO RÍOS


(1)   OJ L 134, 20.5.2006, p. 1.


ANNEX

Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 is amended as follows:

(1)

the following natural persons are added to table ‘A. Natural persons referred to in Article 2(1)’:

 

Names

(Transliteration of Belarusian spelling)

(Transliteration of Russian spelling)

Names

(Belarusian spelling)

(Russian spelling)

Identifying Information

Reasons for listing

Date of listing

‘196.

Aliaksandr Uladzimirovich KARNIENKA

Alexander Vladimirovich KORNIENKO

Аляксандр Уладзiмiравiч КАРНIЕНКА

Александр Владимирович КОРНИЕНКО

Position(s): Former head of the Penal Colony IK-17 Shklov, Lieutenant Colonel of the Internal Service

Current position: District Inspector, Department of Internal Affairs of the Slutsk District Executive Committee

DOB: 9.1.1979

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

In his position as former head of Penal Colony IK-17 in Shklov, Aliaksandr Karnienka is responsible for the inhuman and degrading treatment, including torture, inflicted on the political prisoners and other citizens detained in that penal colony in the wake of the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing peaceful protests. He was the head of the penal colony at the time of the death of the political prisoner Vitold Ashurak in that penal colony on 21 May 2021, in unexplained circumstances.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

197.

Andrei Siarheevich PALCHIK

Andrei Sergeevich PALCHIK

Андрэй Сяргеевiч ПАЛЬЧЫК

Андрей Сергеевич ПАЛЬЧИК

Position(s): Former head of correctional colony No 1 in Novopolotsk

DOB: 3.3.1981

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

In his former position as head of correctional colony No 1 in Novopolotsk, Andrei Palchik has been responsible for and participated in the systematic practice of torture, ill-treatment and abusive punishments, including prolonged and repeated use of solitary confinement, against the political prisoners and other citizens detained in that penal colony, notably in the wake of the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing peaceful protests. As head of that penal colony, Andrei Palchik is not only responsible for ordering and supervising these abuses, but has a documented track record of personal involvement in acts of torture and violence against prisoners. During Andrei Palchik’s administration from 2017 until March 2023, correctional colony No 1 in Novopolotsk has become ill-famed for its extremely harsh detention conditions and the ill-treatment applied to the prisoners, many of them leading political activists and civil society representatives, detained for their opposition to President Lukashenka’s regime. After his transfer from Penal Colony No 1, Palchik continues to hold an active high-ranking position at another detention facility and therefore he continues to serve the repressive system.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and for the repression of the civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

198.

Aliaksandr Uladzimiravich KAROL

Aleksandr Vladimirovich KAROL

Аляксандр Уладзiмiравiч КАРОЛЬ

Александр Владимирович КОРОЛЬ

Position(s): Senior Prosecutor of the Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office

DOB: 28.6.1992

POB: Bobruisk, Mogilev region, Republic of Belarus

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

Personal ID: 3280692M019PB8

In his position as Senior Prosecutor at the Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Belarus, Aliaksandr Karol is responsible for numerous politically-motivated criminal cases against Belarusian human rights defenders. In particular, he is involved in the politically motivated prosecution of representatives from the Belarusian human rights organization Viasna, including Viasna chairperson Ales Bialiatski, deputy chairperson Valiantsin Stefanovic, lawyer Uladzimir Labkovich, coordinator of Viasna’s network of volunteers Marfa Rabkova, head of Viasna’s office in Gomel, Leanid Sudalenka, and volunteer Andrei Chapiuk, as well as volunteer Tatsiana Lasitsa who was released from Gomel penal colony on 24 September 2022.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023

199.

Mikhail Mikhailavich MURASHKIN

Mikhail Mikhailovich MURASHKIN

Мiхаiл Мiхайлавiч МУРАШКIН

Михаил Михайлович МУРАШКИН

Position(s): Former Deputy Head of the Municipal Department of Internal Affairs in Zhodino – Head of the Public Security Police; First Deputy Head of the District Department of Internal Affairs in Borisov – Head of the Public Security Police as of 29.10.2021

DOB: 8.9.1989

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

In his capacity as former head of the Public Security Police in Zhodino, Mikhail Murashkin ordered the police troops and riot police, OMON, to brutally crack down on peaceful protests in the wake of the presidential elections in 2020, beating protesters and using violence against them. He is also involved in the unlawful repeated detention of independent journalists covering the protests in the lead-up to the presidential elections.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society in Belarus. He continues to hold a similarly high-ranking position within the Department of Internal Affairs.

3.8.2023

200.

Mikalai Vasilievich MAKSIMAVICH

Nikolai Vasilievich MAKSIMOVICH

Мiкалай Васiльевiч МАКСIМАВIЧ

Николай Васильевич МАКСИМОВИЧ

Position(s): Deputy Chief of the Public Security Militia, Internal Affairs Directorate of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee

DOB: 25.2.1977

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

Address: Minsk, st. Yankee Brylya 21, apt. 224;

Minsk, st. Kolesnikova 32, apt. 3

Personal ID: 3250277M077PB2

In his capacity as Deputy Chief of the Public Security Militia, Internal Affairs Directorate of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, Mikalai Maksimavich is responsible for the brutal crackdown on peaceful protests in the run-up to the presidential elections in August 2020 and afterwards. He has personally given orders to the riot police, OMON, to violently suppress the demonstrations, detain the protesters and the independent journalists covering these events, and submit them to harsh conditions of detention.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

201.

Piotr Aleksandrovich ARLOU

Petr Aleksandrovich ORLOV

Пётр Александровiч АРЛОЎ

Петр Александрович ОРЛОВ

Position(s): Judge at the Minsk City Court

DOB: 6.4.1967

POB: Minsk, Belarus

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

Personal ID: 3040667A088PB0

Address: Minsk, st. Sharangovicha 78, apt. 60

In the position of judge at the Minsk City Court, Piotr Arlou has represented the Lukashenka regime in numerous politically motivated trials and is responsible for the lengthy verdicts in absentia against several members of the democratic opposition; Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (15 years), Pavel Latushka (18 years), and Volha Kavalkova, Maryia Maroz and Siarhei Dyleuski (12 years each).

Piotr Arlou is also responsible for the politically motivated conduct of trial and verdicts against blogger Eduard Palchys (13 years of imprisonment) and journalist Katsiaryna Andreyeva (two years). These verdicts are part a systematic denial of, and punishment for, the exercise of freedom of expression by the Belarusian authorities. Piotr Arlou’s verdicts are examples of the systemic repression of dissent.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights, the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and activities that seriously undermine democracy and the rule of law in Belarus.

3.8.2023

202.

Ruslan Khikmetavich MASHADZEOU

Ruslan Khikmetovich MASHADIYEV

Руслан Хiкметовiч МАШАДЗЕЎ

Руслан Хикметович МАШАДИЕВ

Position(s): Former Deputy Head of Penal Colony No°1; Current Head of Penal Colony No°1

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

In his position of Head and the former Deputy Head of Penal Colony No°1, Ruslan Mashadzeou is responsible for the inhuman and degrading treatment, including torture, inflicted on the political prisoners and other citizens detained in that penal colony in the wake of the 2020 presidential election and in the ensuing peaceful protests. He was the head of the penal colony at the time of the death of the political prisoner Vitold Ashurak in that penal colony on 21 May 2021, in unexplained circumstances.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

203.

Siarhei Uladzimiravich KARCHEUSKY

Sergey Vladimirovitch KARCHEVSKIY

Сяргей Уладзiмiравiч КАРЧЭЎСКI

Сергей Владимирович КАРЧЕВСКИЙ

Position(s): Major and head of the regime department of Penal Colony No 17 Shklow

DOB: 15.6.1983

Address: 6 Fatina str, apt. 100, Mogilev, Belarus

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

Personal: 3150683MO74PB5

As head of the regime department of Penal Colony No 17 in Shklow, Siarhei Kharcheusky is directly responsible for the inhumane conditions of detention in the colony, for the violent practices and ill-treatment inflicted on prisoners, notably on political prisoners. He was personally involved in carrying out beatings and other acts of extreme violence against prisoners and he is directly involved in, and responsible for, the death of the political prisoner Vitold Ashurak in that penal colony on 21 May 2021.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

204.

Siarhei Vasilyevich MASLIUKOU

Sergey Vasilyevich MASLIUKOV

Сяргей Васiльевiч МАСЛЮКОЎ

Сергей Васильевич МАСЛЮКОВ

Position(s): Head colonel of the internal service of Educational Colony No.°2 in Bobruysk

POB: Shklov, Belarus

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

Suspected address: Bobruysk

In his position of Head colonel of the internal service of Educational Colony No.°2 in Bobruysk, Siarhei Masliukou is responsible for the inhuman and degrading treatment of minors. He is responsible for subjecting children to hunger, torture, forced work, and various forms of physical and psychological violence. He is also responsible for depriving underage convicts of access to medical care.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

205.

Sviatlana Aliaksandrauna BANDARENKA

Svetlana Aleksandrovna BONDARENKO

Святлана Аляксандраўна БАНДАРЭНКА

Светлана Александровна БОНДАРЕНКО

Position(s): Judge at the court of the Moskovsky district of Minsk

Gender: female

Nationality: Belarusian

In her position as Judge of Moskovsky district of Minsk, Sviatlana Bandarenka is responsible for numerous politically-motivated rulings. She sentenced several Belarusian citizens for participating in protests and publishing anti-government comments on Telegram. She also sentenced the journalist Ekaterina Borisevich and the emergency hospital doctor Artyom Sorokin for disclosing medical secrets about Roman Bondarenko, who was beaten to death by the security forces.

She is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023

206.

Sviatlana Paulauna PAKHODAVA

Svetlana Pavlovna POKHODOVA

Святлана Паўлаўна ПАХОДАВА

Светлана Павловна ПОХОДОВА

Position(s): Head of Penal Colony No.°4 for women in Gomel

Gender: female

Nationality: Belarusian

Suspected location: Gomel

In her position of Head of Penal Colony No.°4 for women in Gomel, Sviatlana Pakhodava is responsible for the inhuman and degrading treatment, including torture, inflicted on the political prisoners and other citizens detained in that female penal colony. She was already the head of the penal colony at the time of the prosecution of Maria Kalesnikava, a political prisoner who was handed an 11-year custodial sentence for her participation in the protests against the authoritarian rule of Aliaksandr Lukashenko in the penal colony. She was deprived of all prisoner rights, including the right to consult a lawyer.

She is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

207.

Tatsiana Valerieuna PIROZHNIKAVA

Tatiana Valeryevna PIROZHNIKOVA

Таццяна Валер’еўна ПIРОЖНIКАВА

Татьяна Валерьевна ПИРОЖНИКОВА

Position(s): Judge at the court of the Moscovsky district of Minsk

DOB: 8.1.1987

Gender: female

Nationality: Belarusian

Personal ID: 4010887M019PB2

In her position as Judge of Moskovsky district of Minsk, Tatsiana Pirozhnikava sentenced several Belarusian citizens on political grounds, including for their participation in protests and for publishing anti-government comments on Telegram. She is documented as occasionally issuing heavier sentences than those requested by the prosecutor.

She is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition In Belarus.

3.8.2023

208.

Tatsiana Aliaksandrauna GRAKUN

Tatyana Alexandrovna GRAKUN

Таццяна Аляксандраўна ГРАКУН

Татьяна Александровна ГРАКУН

Position(s): Senior Prosecutor of the Minsk Region Prosecutor’s Office for Supervision of Compliance with the Law of Court Decisions in Criminal Cases, Junior Counselor of Justice

Gender: female

Nationality: Belarusian

Tatsiana Grakun is a Belarusian prosecutor who serves in the Minsk Region Prosecutor’s Office. In this position, she has represented the Lukashenka regime in politically-motivated cases against journalists. In particular, she has prosecuted Maryna Zolatava, TUT.BY editor-in-chief, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Liudmila Chekina, TUT.BY general director, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in March 2023, based on groundless charges of “harming to the national security of the Republic of Belarus”.

Tatsiana Grakun is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023

209.

Valyantsina Mikalaeuna ZIANKEVICH

Valentina Nikolaevna ZENKEVICH

Валянцiна Мiкалаеўна ЗЯНКЕВIЧ

Валентина Николаевна ЗЕНЬКЕВИЧ

Position(s): Judicial Collegium for Criminal Cases of the Minsk City Court, Judge

DOB: 8.1.1969

Gender: female

Nationality: Belarusian

Valyantsina Ziankevich is a Belarusian judge who serves in a Judicial Collegium for Criminal Cases of the Minsk City Court. She has issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities. She has convicted at least seven Belarusian citizens on political grounds, including Maryna Zolatava, TUT.BY editor-in-chief, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Liudmila Chekina, TUT.BY general director, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in March 2023. She has a documented history of issuing politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities since 2022.

She is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023

210.

Yauhen Valerievich BUBICH

Yevgeniy Valerievich BUBICH

Яўген Валер’евiч БУБIЧ

Евгений Валерьевич БУБИЧ

Position(s): Head of Penal Colony No.°2; Lieutenant colonel of the internal service

DOB: 3.6.1979

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

Address: Bobruysk, st. Kovzana 60, apartment 42;

Bobruysk, st. Kovzana 5/485;

Bobruysk, st. Internationalnaya 66B, apartment 31

In his position as head of Penal Colony No.°2 in Bobruysk, Yauhen Bubich is responsible for the inhuman and degrading treatment, including torture, forced work, physical and psychological violence, inflicted on prisoners.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

211.

Yuri Ivanavich VASILEVICH

Yuriy Ivanovich VASILEVICH

Юры Iванавiч ВАСIЛЕВIЧ

Юрий Иванович ВАСИЛЕВИЧ

Position(s): Head of Penal Colony No.°14 in Novosady

Gender: male

Nationality: Belarusian

In his position of Head of Penal Colony No.°14, Yuri Vasilevich is responsible for the mistreatment of the convicts detained under his jurisdiction, and for inhuman and degrading treatment, including torture, inflicted on the political prisoners and other citizens detained in that penal colony.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and for the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

212.

Raman Ivanavich BIZIUK

Roman Ivanovich BIZYUK

Раман Iванавiч БIЗЮК

Роман Иванович БИЗЮК

Position(s): Prosecutor

DOB: 25.3.1986

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Personal ID: 3250386H012PB7

Address: Minsk, 30 Masherova Ave., apt. 25

In the position of prosecutor at the Minsk Municipal Court, Raman Biziuk has represented the Lukashenka regime in numerous politically-motivated cases, in particular against Marfa Rabkova and Andrei Chapiuk, who receiving exceptionally lengthy verdicts of 15 and six years in prison, respectively, and their eight co-defendants who received prison verdicts of between five and 17 years.

Marfa Rabkova was imprisoned on politically-motivated charges of ‘training people to participate in mass riots or financing such activities’ for coordinating the volunteer service at the internationally recognized human rights group Viasna and organising the monitoring of the election in August 2020. She also documented cases of torture and other ill-treatment against detained protesters. Marfa Rabkova was one of the first members of Viasna to be targeted by the authorities with politically-motivated criminal charges after the protests in August 2020.

Andrei Chapiuk was charged for participation in a criminal organisation and the incitement of hatred, among other things, for his engagement in Viasna as a volunteer.

Their trial was held behind closed doors by request of prosecutor Raman Biziuk and approval by judge Siarhei Khrypach due to the alleged existence of ‘materials of extremist nature’ in the case.

Raman Biziuk is also responsible for the politically-motivated prosecution against the co-defendants in the same trial, namely Akihiro Haeuski-Hanada, Alyaksandr Frantaskevich, Alykaksei Galauko, Alyaksandr Kazlyanka, Pavel Shpteny, Mikita Dranets, Andrei Marach and Daniil Chul. He is also responsible for the politically-motivated charges against Andrei Linnik and Anton Bialenski as well as against Dzmitry Kanapelka, Vitalii Kavalenka, Tsimur Pipiya, Dzianis Boltuts, Vital Shyshlou and Emil Huseinau.

Raman Biziuk is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights, the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and activities that seriously undermine democracy or the rule of law in Belarus.

3.8.2023

213.

Siarhei Fiodaravich KHRYPACH

Sergey Fedorovich KHRIPACH

Сяргей Фёдаравiч ХРЫПАЧ

Сергей Федорович ХРИПАЧ

Position(s): Judge at the Minsk Municipal Court

DOB: 16.4.1966

POB: Minsk, Belarus

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Personal ID: 3160466A077PB2

Address: Minsk, st. Odintsova 105, apt. 206

In the position of judge at the Minsk Municipal Court, Siarhei Khrypach has represented the Lukashenka regime in numerous politically-motivated cases, in particular against Marfa Rabkova, Andrei Chapiuk who received exceptionally lengthy sentences of 15 and six years in prison, respectively, and their eight co-defendants who received custodial sentences of between five to 17 years.

Marfa Rabkova was imprisoned on politically-motivated charges of “training people to participate in mass riots or financing such activities”, for coordinating the volunteer service at the internationally recognized human rights group Viasna and for organising the monitoring of the election in August 2020. She also documented cases of torture and other ill-treatment against detained protesters. Marfa Rabkova was one of the first members of Viasna to be targeted by the authorities with politically-motivated criminal charges after the protests in August 2020.

Andrei Chapiuk was charged for participation in a criminal organisation and the incitement of hatred among other things, for his engagement in Viasna as a volunteer.

Their trial was held behind closed doors by request of prosecutor Raman Biziuk and by approval of judge Siarhei Khrypach due to the alleged existence of “materials of extremist nature” in the case.

Siarhei Khrypach is also responsible for the politically-motivated conduct of the trial and verdicts for the co-defendants in the same trial, namely Akihiro Haeuski-Hanada, Alyaksandr Frantaskevich, Alykaksei Galauko, Alyaksandr Kazlyanka, Pavel Shpteny, Mikita Dranets, Andrei Marach and Daniil Chul.

Siarhei Khrypach is also responsible for the politically-motivated verdict against Yegor Dudnikov in May 2021.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights, the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and activities that seriously undermine democracy or the rule of law in Belarus.

3.8.2023

214.

Vadzim Frantzavich GIGIN

Vadim Franzevich GIGIN

Vadzim HIHIN

Вадзiм Францавiч ГIГIН

Вадим Францевич ГИГИН

Position(s): Director of the National Library of Belarus; former Head of the Belarus governmental society “Knowledge”, and Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences of the Belarus State University, candidate of Historical Science

DOB: 21.10.1977

POB: Minsk, former Belarussian SSR (now Belarus)

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Vadzim Gigin is one of the most vocal and influential members of the Belarusian state propaganda system. He systematically supports the Lukashenka regime and often presents his views on the state TV channels ONT and Belarus 1. Vadzim Gigin has supported and justified the repression of democratic opposition and civil society and of independent media, in particular after the presidential elections in August 2020. Vadzim Gigin spreads his propaganda narratives on a “nazi regime in Ukraine”, discrediting the West and justification of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Until June 2023, Vadzim Gigin was the head of the Belarusian society “Knowledge”, which is known as a state-sponsored non-governmental organisation promoting Lukashenka and his regime. Gigin’s contribution to the regime has been acknowledged by Lukashenka in September 2021 when Gigin received the medal “For Labor Merits”. Furthermore, he was appointed in February 2023 as member of the Commission to consider appeals of Belarusian citizens abroad concerning offences committed by them, headed by Prosecutor General of Belarus Andrei Shved.

Therefore, Vadzim Gigin is benefiting from and supporting the Lukashenka regime.

3.8.2023

215.

Ksenia Piatrouna LEBEDZEVA

Ksenia Petrovna LEBEDEVA

Ксенiя Пятроўна ЛЕБЕДЗЕВА

Ксения Петровна ЛЕБЕДЕВА

Position(s): Propagandist and employee of the state channel “Belarus 1” and in Belarus News Agency

DOB: 12.12.1987

POB: Mogilev, former Belarussian SSR (now Belarus)

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: female

Ksenia Lebedzeva is one of the leading propagandists of the Lukashenka regime and is closely associated with regime media. She is Belarusian TV presenter at the state-owned “Belarus 1” channel. Since July 2021, she has hosted the information and analytical programme “This is different” at the state-owned “Belarus 1” TV channel. In her column and reports for Belarus 1 TV channel, she promotes Russian propaganda regarding Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and Belarus state propaganda directed against opposition and neighbouring countries. Ksenia Lebedzeva is promoting the idea that Ukraine, together with NATO, has been launching information and psychological special operations against Belarus since 2020 and the Lukashenka narrative that opposition representatives are financed by Western countries.

On 16.1. 2021, Ksenia Lebedzeva was awarded with gratitude by President Lukashenka for “a significant contribution to the implementation of state information policy, high professionalism, objective and comprehensive coverage of the events of the socio-political and socio-cultural life of the country”.

Therefore, Ksenia Lebedeva is benefiting from and supporting and the Lukashenka regime.

3.8.2023

216.

Zinaida Vasilieuna BALABALAVA

Zinaida Vasilievna BALABALAVA

Зiнаiда Васiльеўна БАЛАБАЛАВА

Зинаида Васильевна БАЛАБОЛАВА

Position(s): Judge at Navapolatsk City Court

Gender: female

In her position as judge of the Navapolatsk City Court, Zinaida Balabalava is responsible for numerous politically-motivated rulings against peaceful protesters, in particular the sentencing of union leader Volha Bytsikava and of activists Hanna Tukava and Andrei Halavyryn. She has subjected people to fines and arrests for publishing “no war” signs or independent trial reporting.

She is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023

217.

Halina KNIZHONAK

Galina KNIZHONAK

Галiна КНIЖОНАК

Галина КНИЖОНАК

Position(s): Judge of Mazyr District Court

Gender: female

In her position as judge of Mazyr district court, Halina Knizhonak is responsible for numerous politically-motivated rulings against peaceful protesters, in particular the sentencing of Hleb Koipish, Uladzislau Hancharou, Aliaksandr Tsimashenka and Daniil Skipalski. She has sentenced people to terms of imprisonment for taking part in peaceful protests against the Lukashenka regime.

She is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023

218.

Hanna Barisauna LIAVUSIK

Anna Borisovna LEUSIK

Ганна Барысаўна ЛЯВУСIК

Анна Борисовна ЛЕУСИК

Position(s): Judge of Leninsky district court of Hrodna/Grodno

DOB: 7.10.1973

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: female

Address: Grodno, st. Soviet Border Guards 120, apt. 47

Personal ID: 4071073K000PB2

In her position as judge of the Leninski district court of Hrodna, Hanna Liavusik is responsible for numerous politically-motivated rulings against peaceful protesters, in particular the sentencing of Alexander Tyelega. She has sentenced people to fines and prison terms for speaking up against violence and repression.

She is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023

219.

Henadz Ivanavich KUDLASEVICH

Gennadiy Ivanovich KUDLASEVICH

Генадзь Iванавiч КУДЛАСЕВIЧ

Геннадий Иванович КУДЛАСЕВИЧ

Position(s): Judge of Ivanovsky District Court

DOB: 5.5.1973

POB: Tereblychi, Stolin District, former Belarussian SSR (now Belarus)

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

In his position as judge of Ivanovsky District Court, Henadz Kudlasevich is responsible for numerous politically-motivated rulings against peaceful protesters, in particular the sentencing of Yuryi Holik. He has sentenced people to terms of imprisonment, house detention and fines for protesting against the government or for independent reporting.

He is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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220.

Ina Leanidauna PAULOUSKAYA

Inna Leonidovna PAVLOVSKAYA

Iна Леанiдаўна ПАЎЛОЎСКАЯ

Инна Леонидовна ПАВЛОВСКАЯ

Position(s): Judge at Baranovichi District Court

DOB: 29.7.1975

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: female

Address: Baranovichi, st. Mikolskaya 32

Personal ID: 4290775C016PB9

In her position as judge of Baranovichi District Court, Ina Paulouskaya is responsible for numerous politically-motivated rulings against peaceful protesters, in particular the sentencing of Vitaly Korsak and Anatoly Pugach. She has sentenced people to prison terms and fines for criticizing President Lukashenka and protesting against the outcome of the presidential elections of 2020.

She is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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221.

Aliaksandr Mikalaevich TARAKANAU

Alexander Nikolaevich TARAKANOV

Аляксандр Мiкалаевiч ТАРАКАНАЎ

Александр Николаевич ТАРАКАНОВ

Position(s): Shklov District Court, Mogilev Region, Judge

DOB: 19.5.1965

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Aliaksandr Tarakanau is a Belarussian judge who serves in a Shklov District Court in Mogilev Region. He was appointed by Aliaksandr Lukashenka indefinitely in 2017. He mainly handed down sentences that increased the penalties against political opponents of the Belarusian authorities, especially in the context of changing sentences imposed to absolute imprisonment or a stricter regime for the serving of such sentences. Such a decision was made in the case of the philosopher and journalist Uladzimir Matskievich who is associated with the independent television channel Belsat.Aliaksandr Tarakanau is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023

222.

Dzmitriy Vitalievich BUBENCHIK

Dmitriy Vitalievich BUBENCHIK

Дзмiтрый Вiтальевiч БУБЕНЧЫК

Дмитрий Витальевич БУБЕНЧИК

Position(s): Grodno Regional Court, Judge

DOB: 15.7.1985

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Dzmitriy Bubenchik is a Belarussian judge who serves in a Grodno District Court. He was appointed by Aliaksandr Lukashenka. He issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities. On 8 February 2023, he sentenced Andrzej Poczobut, an independent journalist and a Polish minority activist critical of the government of the Republic of Belarus, to eight years imprisonment.

He is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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223.

Aleg Uladzimiravich KHOROSHKA

Oleg Vladimirovich KHOROSHKO

Алег Уладзiмiравiч ХОРОШКА

Олег Владимирович ХОРОШКО

Position(s): Gomel Regional Court, Judge

DOB: 22.5.1977

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Aleg Khoroshka is a Belarussian judge who serves in a Gomel District Court. He was appointed by Aliaksandr Lukashenka. He issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities, which include a journalist of the independent TV station Belsat, Katsiaryna Andreyeva who received a sentence of eight years and three months in a penal colony.

He is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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224.

Anastasia Uladzimirouna BENEDZISIUK

Anastasia Vladimirovna BENEDISYUK

Анастасiя Уладзiмipаўна БЕНЕДЗIСЮК

Анастасия Владимировна БЕНЕДИСЮК

Position(s): Head of the Reporters Department of the TV News Agency in National State TV channel Belarus 1 TV

DOB: 31.10.1992

POB: Oshmyan, Belarus

Nationality: Belarussian

Gender: female

Anastasia Benedzisiuk is one of the leading propagandists of the Lukashenka regime and the Head of the Reporters Department at the TV News Agency, preparing reportages for the Belarus 1 TV channel.

She hosts the information program “Plan B” at the state-owned “Belarus 1” TV channel. In her programme and reports for the Belarus 1 TV channel, she spreads Russian propaganda narratives about a “nazi regime in Ukraine”, the Ukrainian armed forces, as well as President Lukashenka’s propaganda against the Belarusian opposition and Kalinousky regiment. She also spreads propaganda against Western sanctions.

In 2023, Anastasia Benedzisiuk was given an official award with gratitude from Lukashenka for her “significant contribution to the implementation of state information policy, high professionalism, objective and comprehensive coverage of the events of the socio-political and socio-cultural life of the country”.

She is therefore benefiting from and supporting the Lukashenka regime.

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225.

Yauhen PUSTAVY

Yevgeniy PUSTOVOY

Яўген ПУСТАВЫ

Евгений ПУСТОВОЙ

Function: Belarusian propagandist and broadcaster

DOB: 29.2.1984

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Yauhen Pustavy is a Belarussian propagandist working for Stolichnoye Televideniye, one of the three national television channels in Belarus, and for Minskaya Prauda, a state newspaper. He is responsible for disseminating propaganda in support of Lukashenka’s policies and which justifies Russia’ war of aggression against Ukraine. He was awarded by Lukashenka for his merits in the development of the State information policy. Moreover, he is member of the State Commission aimed at verifying political refugees who wish to return to Belarus. This commission was created by Lukashenka with the political aim of portraying the refugees returning to Belarus as persons regretting their actions against the Lukashenka regime.

He is therefore benefiting from and supporting the Lukashenka regime.

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226.

Alena Stanislavauna HARMASH

Alena Stanislavovna GORMASH

Алена Станiславаўна ГОРМАШ

Елена Станиславовна ГОРМАШ

Function: Court of Bobruisk District and Bobruisk, Judge

DOB: 10.9.1967

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: female

Alena Harmash is a Belarussian judge who serves in a Court of the Bobruisk District and Bobruisk. She has issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities. She convicted six opposition supporters and activists on political grounds. She has a documented history of having issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities since 2020.

She is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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227.

Andrei Ramanavich TARASEVICH

Andrei Romanovich TARASEVICH

Андрэй Раманавiч ТАРАСЕВIЧ

Андрей Романович ТАРАСЕВИЧ

Function: Glubokoye District Court, Judge

DOB: 10.11.1974

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Andrei Tarasevich is a Belarussian judge who serves in a Glubokoye District Court. He has issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities. He convicted at least 13 Belarusian citizens on political grounds. He has a documented history of having issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities from 2017 to 2023.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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228.

Hanna Mikhailauna ASIPENKA

Anna Mikhailovna OSIPENKO

Ганна Мiхайлаўна АСIПЕНКА

Анна Михайловна ОСИПЕНКО

Function: Judge of Court of Bobruisk District and Bobruisk

DOB: 7.12.1982

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: female

Hanna Asipenka is a Belarussian judge who serves in a Court of Bobruisk District and Bobruisk. She has issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities. Between 2020 and 2023, she took an active part in the sentencing of political opponents of the regime. During that period, she handed down at least 13 sentences, including in the cases of two independent media journalists.

She is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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229.

Iryna Uladzimirauna PADKAVYRAVA

Irina Vladimirovna PODKOVYROVA

Iрына Уладзiмiраўна ПАДКАВЫРАВА

Ирина Владимировна ПОДКОВЫРОВА

Function: Prosecutor

DOB: 22.9.1972

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: female

Iryna Padkavyrava is a Belarussian prosecutor. She has been associated with the prosecuting authorities since at least 2009, when she served as a senior prosecutor in the Gomel region. In 2022, she acted as a prosecutor in the trial of an independent journalist affiliated with TVP and Belsat TV. At the time, she requested a four-year prison sentence for the journalist. She also took part in the consideration of appeals against sentences handed down for posting entries on Belarusian social media which were unfavourable to the government and its officials. As a prosecutor, she supported the penalties, considering them adequate and fair.

She is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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230.

Ludmila Stsiapanauna VASHCHANKA

Ludmila Stiepanovna VASHCHENKO

Людмiла Сцяпанаўна ВАШЧАНКА

Людмила Степановна ВАЩЕНКО

Function: Judge of Glubokoye District Court

DOB: 22.9.1972

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: female

Ludmila Vashchanka is a Belarussian judge who serves in Glubokoye District Court. She has issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities. She has a documented history of having issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities from 2007 to 2023. During this period, she convicted at least nine Belarusian citizens, including opposition supporters and activists, on political grounds.

She is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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231.

Uladzimir Aliaksandravich DAVYDAU

Vladimir Alexandrovich DAVYDOV

Уладзiмiр Аляксандравiч ДАВЫДАЎ

Владимир Александрович ДАВЫДОВ

Function: Judge of Supreme Court of Belarus

DOB: 11.4.1967

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Uladzimir Davydau is a Belarussian judge who serves in the Supreme Court of Belarus. He was appointed by Aliaksandr Lukashenka indefinitely in 2014. Judge Davydau has mainly ruled on appeals regarding prison sentences for political activists and journalists. He has left those sentenced unchanged. Such a decision was made in the case of the Belsat journalist, Pavel Vinahradau.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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232.

Viachaslau Uladzimiravich YELISEENKA

Vyacheslav Vladimirovich ELISEENKO

Вячаслаў Уладзiмiравiч ЕЛIСЕЕНКА

Вячеслав Владимирович ЕЛИСЕЕНКО

Function: Judge of Dokshitsy District Court

DOB: 10.4.1979

Nationality: Belarusian

Gender: male

Viachaslau Yeliseenka is a Belarussian judge who serves in a Dokshitsy District Court. He has issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities. He has convicted 10 Belarusian citizens on political grounds. He has a documented history of having issued politically-motivated rulings against the opponents of the Belarusian authorities since 2018.

He is therefore responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

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233.

Anton Uladzimiravich KALYAGA

Anton Vladimirovich KOLYAGO

Антон Уладзiмiравiч КАЛЯГА

Антон Владимирович КОЛЯГО

Function: Chief investigator – investigator for particularly important cases of the Main Directorate for the Investigation of Crimes in the Sphere of Organized Crime and Corruption of the Central Apparatus of the Investigative Committee, Major of Justice

DOB: 2.10.1989

POB: Minsk, Republic of Belarus

Nationality: Belarus

Gender: male

Anton Kalyaga is an investigator of the Main Directorate for Investigating Crimes in the Sphere of Organized Crime and Corruption of the Central Office of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus. He conducts the criminal case against Viasna members. The judicial proceedings against Ales Bialiatski, Valianstin Stefanovich and Uladzimir Labkovich include numerous irregularities and the investigation period has been artificially extended by the authorities in an attempt to fabricate evidence, exceeding the time limit established by Belarusian law and international standards governing the right to a fair trial. The investigation and trial of the Viasna case did not comply with the rule of law.

He is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations and for seriously undermining the rule of law, as well as for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Belarus.

3.8.2023’

(2)

the following legal persons are added to table ‘B. Legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 2(1)’:

 

Names

(Transliteration of Belarusian spelling)

(Transliteration of Russian spelling)

Names

(Belarusian spelling)

(Russian spelling)

Identifying Information

Reasons for listing

Date of listing

‘36.

Open Joint Stock Company “MINSK ELECTROTECHNICAL PLANT NAMED AFTER V. I. KOZLOV”

Адкрытае акцыянернае таварыства “МIНСКI ЭЛЕКТРАТЭХНIЧНЫ ЗАВОД IМЯ В.I.КАЗЛОВА”

Открытое акционерное общество “МИНСКИЙ ЭЛЕКТРОТЕХНИЧЕСКИЙ ЗАВОД ИМЕНИ В.И.КОЗЛОВА”/ОАО “МЭТЗ ИМ. В.И.КОЗЛОВА”

Address: Room 502, 4, Uralskaya st., Minsk 220037, Republic of Belarus

Type of entity: State-owned company

Place of registration: 4, Uralskaya st.,

Minsk 220037,

Republic of Belarus

Date of registration: 1.3.1994

Registration number: 100211261(УНП)

Principal place of business: Belarus

Company website: www.metz.by

Company email: urist@metz.by

Company phone: 8017 230 11 22

OJSC “Minsk Electrotechnical Plant named after V.I. Kozlov” is a state-owned enterprise, one of the biggest producers of electricity equipment in Europe and one of industrial giants of Belarus. As such, it is a major source of revenue for the Lukashenka regime. The employees of OJSC “Minsk Electrotechnical Plant named after V.I. Kozlov” who took part in peaceful protests and strikes in the aftermath of the fraudulent August 2020 elections in Belarus were threatened with layoffs and intimidated by company management. Workers were later fired due to their participation in the strikes.

Therefore OJSC “Minsk Electrotechnical Plant named after V.I. Kozlov” is benefiting from and supporting the Lukashenka regime. Furthermore, OJSC “Minsk Electrotechnical Plant named after V.I. Kozlov” is responsible for the repression of civil society in Belarus.

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37.

Open joint stock company “Byelorussian Steel Works – management company of ‘Byelorusssian Metallurgical Company’ holding” a.k.a. OJSC “BSW (BMZ) – management company of ‘BMC’ holding”

Адкрытае акцыянернае таварыства “Беларускi металургiчны завод – кiруючая кампанiя холдынгу ‘Беларуская металургiчная кампанiя’” a.k.a. ААТ “БМЗ – кiруючая кампанiя холдынгу “БМК’”

Открытое акционерное общество “Белорусский металлургический завод- управляющая компания холдинга ‘Белорусская металлургическая компания’” a.k.a. ОАО “БМЗ- управляющая компания холдинга ‘БМК’”

Address: 37, Promyshlennaya Street, Zhlobin,Gomel region, Belarus, 247210

Type of entity: Open joint stock company

Place of registration: Zhlobin, Gomel region, Belarus

Date of registration: 24.4.1991 as “БЕЛОРУССКИЙ МЕТАЛЛУРГИЧЕСКИЙ ЗАВОД”,

11.9.1996 as “Государственное предприятие – Белорусский металлургический завод”,

1.12.1997 as “Белорусский металлургический завод”,

3.11.1999 as “Республиканское унитарное предприятие ‘Белорусский металлургический завод’”,

1.1.2012 as “Открытое акционерное общество ‘Белорусский металлургический завод’”

Registration number: 400074854

Principal place of business: Zhlobin, Gomel region, Belarus

OJSC BSW – management company of “BMC” holding is a unique state enterprise in the metallurgical industry in Belarus and among the largest companies in the country. As such, it is a substantial source of revenue for the Lukashenka regime. The Belarusian State is directly profiting from the earnings made by OJSC BSW – management company of ‘BMC’ holding. Furthermore, the company receives large government grants and political support from the Lukashenka regime. The general director of OJSC BSW – management company of “BMC” holding was personally appointed by President Lukashenka.

Employees of OJSC BSW – management company of “BMC” holding who protested and went on strike in the wake of the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus were dismissed. Since then, the enterprise continues to take measures against employees who attempt to organize strikes through threats and dismissals. Therefore, OJSC BSW – management company of “BMC” holding is benefiting from and supporting the Lukashenka regime. Furthermore, it is responsible for the repression of civil society in Belarus.

3.8.2023

38.

Belneftekhim – Belarusian State Concern for Oil and Chemistry

Белнафтахiм – Беларускi дзяржаўны канцэрн па нафце i хiмii

Белнефтехим, Белорусский государственный концерн по нефти и химии

Address: 73, Dzerzhinskogo Street, Minsk, 220116

Type of entity: State concern

Place of registration: 73 Dzerzhinskogo Street, Minsk, 220116

Date of registration: 21.7.1997

Registration number: 101272253

Principal place of business: Minsk, Belarus

The Belarusian State Concern for Oil and Chemistry (Belneftekhim) is one of the largest industrial complexes of the Republic of Belarus and consists of multiple other state-owned companies established in 1997. Aliaksandr Lukashenka considers Belneftekhim to be one of the most important and strategic concerns in Belarus. In particular, Belneftekhim represents a fundamental asset for the Belarusian economy and foreign policy, in particular in relation to the cooperation between Russia and Belarus in developing a common oil market. Regular consultations are held between the concern and President Lukashenka. Belneftekhim benefits from the support provided by the Lukashenka regime, especially in relation to the effects of Western sanctions. Therefore, Belneftekhim is benefiting from and supporting the Lukashenka regime.

3.8.2023’