The European Union (EU) Thursday announced the adoption of new sanctions against 38 individuals and three entities from Belarus, saying they are responsible for serious human rights violations.

The new listings include prison officials, prominent propagandists, as well as members of the judicial branch involved in prosecuting and sentencing democratic opponents, members of civil society and journalists, said an EU statement.

Sanctions also target state-owned enterprises which have taken measures against employees or dismissed them for participating in peaceful protests and strikes, it said.

Belneftekhim, a state-controlled oil and chemical conglomerate, is also listed as one of the strategic companies, "which is supporting the Lukashenko regime," it said.

Altogether, EU sanctions on Belarus now apply to a total of 233 individuals and 37 entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them.

Moreover, in response to Belarus's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine, the EU imposed other sanctions, which include export ban on goods and technology suited for use in aviation and the space industry, including aircraft engines and drones.

It also includes prohibition of sale, supply, transfer or export of firearms, their parts and essential components and ammunition.

Belarus also remains subject to EU sanctions in the financial sector, trade, energy, transport and others.

Source: Kuwait News Agency