OREANDA-NEWS. The European Union should impose sanctions against those who violate human rights in Belarus, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said. In the republic, after the presidential election, protests broke out; the security forces used violence against citizens.

“We need additional sanctions against those who violated democratic values or abused human rights in Belarus. I am confident today’s EU Foreign Ministers’ discussion will demonstrate our strong support for the rights of the people in Belarus to fundamental freedoms & democracy,” the politician wrote on her Twitter page.

Earlier, the head of the European Parliament David Sassoli also called for sanctions. In his opinion, the people have the right to “express their anger” because of the election results, which “did not comply with minimum international standards.”

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also did not rule out the introduction of sanctions against Belarus. He said that Washington will consult with the EU on this issue.