UK sanctions Belarusian officials and condemns 'sham' election

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain on Monday imposed sanctions targeting Belarusian officials and defence companies after joining Western governments in condemning what they called "sham" presidential elections in the country.

The measures come after Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko was declared winner of a presidential election in the country, allowing the Russian ally to extend his 31-year rule.

European politicians have said the vote was neither free nor fair because independent media are banned in the former Soviet republic and all leading opposition figures have either been jailed or forced to flee abroad.

Lukashenko and the Kremlin have each dismissed Western criticism of the election.

A joint statement issued by Australia, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand and Britain on Monday said they were united in condemnation of Sunday's "sham" election and what they called human rights violations perpetrated by Lukashenko's government.

The statement was published on the British government website.

"Recently announced sanctions represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to hold the Lukashenko regime to account," the statement added.

Britain said it was sanctioning six electoral and security officials, including the chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission, in coordination with Canada.

Those sanctioned also include three companies that produce ammunition, drones and radar and weapon control systems.

"The world has become well-accustomed to Lukashenko’s cynical pretence of democracy in Belarus, while in reality he brutally represses civil society and opposition voices to strengthen his grip on power," British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.

(Reporting by Muvija M, writing by Sachin Ravikumar, editing by William James)