Brussels, 16/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 16 December, the Council of the EU tightened its sanctions against Belarus because of the serious problems in the country, by adding two new people to the EU visa ban and asset freezing list. Both individuals have taken part in trials against human rights activist Ales Bialiatski, who was sent to prison for four years on 23 November 2011 for tax issues. Some 210 people from Belarus have had their assets frozen and are subject to a visa ban. The assets of three bodies connected with the regime are also frozen and arms sales and goods potentially used for repressive purposes are banned. (CG/transl.fl)