The United States has announced visa restrictions on 25 people in Belarus in response to the trial in absentia of opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and other pro-democracy activists..

The move comes after Tikhanovskaya, who claimed victory over Alyaksandr Lukashenka in the 2020 elections, stood trial on charges of high treason, a “plot to seize power,” and the creation and leadership of an extremist organization..

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U.S. statement says charge is being used to crack down on opposition members and civil society activists.

On Tuesday, the United States imposed visa restrictions on 322 people for undermining democracy in Belarus..

“We will not stand by as this regime continues to harass and repress peaceful demonstrators, democratic opposition, journalists, trade unionists, activists, human rights defenders and ordinary Belarusians,” the statement said..

Earlier it was reported that due to the consequences of Western sanctions, Lukashenka began to open criminal cases against Belarusians due to rising food prices..