Condemns the fraudulent January 2025 Belarusian presidential election and Lukashenka's autocratic rule, calling for support of the Belarusian people's democratic aspirations, free and fair elections, and sanctions against those who undermine democracy or support Russia's war.
William Keating
Representative
MA-9
This bill condemns the fraudulent January 2025 Belarusian presidential election and Lukashenka's autocratic rule, denounces the regime's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, and calls for the release of political prisoners. It advocates for free and fair elections in Belarus, continued support for the Belarusian democratic opposition, and further sanctions against the Lukashenka regime. The bill expresses solidarity with the Belarusian people's pursuit of a democratic future.
Belarus Under Lukashenka: 2025 Election Called a Sham, US Pushes for Sanctions and Democratic Support
This bill flat-out condemns the January 2025 Belarusian presidential election as fraudulent, blasting Lukashenka's regime for its ongoing autocratic rule and repression. It's a direct call for genuinely free and fair elections in Belarus, monitored by international observers, and a sharp rebuke of everything Lukashenka has been doing to cling to power.
Straight Talk on a Rigged Election
The core of this bill is a demand for real democracy in Belarus. It highlights how Lukashenka has manipulated elections for over 30 years, with the January 2025 election being just the latest example. The bill specifically calls out the regime's brutal crackdown on dissent, noting over 1,200 political prisoners are currently held, facing torture and harassment (Section 2). For example, imagine running a local business and speaking out against unfair policies, only to be arrested and imprisoned – that’s the reality this bill is addressing. It's not just about election day; it's about the everyday suppression of basic freedoms.
Belarus's Role in Russia's War
The bill doesn't mince words about Belarus's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. It directly denounces the Lukashenka regime for allowing Russian forces to use Belarusian territory to launch attacks and for hosting Russian nuclear weapons, which ratchets up global security risks (Section 1). Even more disturbing, the bill points out that over 2,400 Ukrainian children have been transferred to Belarus for "political reeducation and military training" – a chilling detail that shows the human cost of this alliance (Section 1). Think of it like a neighbor not only letting a bully use their yard to attack you but also helping to indoctrinate your kids – that’s the level of complicity this bill is condemning.
Sanctions and Support
This legislation isn't just about calling out bad behavior; it's about taking action. The bill pushes for more sanctions against the Lukashenka regime and any officials involved in undermining democracy or supporting Russia's war (Section 2). This includes judges, police, and even state-owned businesses that prop up the regime. The U.S. has already provided over $140,000,000 since 2020 to support democracy and the rule of law in Belarus (Section 1). This bill is about keeping that support flowing and turning up the heat. It’s like saying, "If you’re going to act this way, there will be consequences," and those consequences hit the wallets of those in power.
###Standing with the People
Ultimately, this bill is a strong statement of solidarity with the Belarusian people. It demands the immediate release of political prisoners and calls for continued support to the democratic opposition (Section 2). The message is clear: the U.S. stands with those fighting for a democratic future in Belarus, not with the autocrats trying to crush them. It’s about supporting ordinary people who want the basic right to choose their leaders and live without fear of oppression.