EU court abolishes sanctions against Belarusian business tycoon Chyzh, his companies

The General Court of the European Union on Tuesday abolished the bloc's sanctions against Yury Chyzh and entities controlled by the Belarusian business tycoon, including company Triple and soccer club FC Dynama Minsk.

In March 2012, the EU foreign ministers added Mr. Chyzh to the list of Belarusian individuals subject to an entry ban and asset freeze over his close ties with Alyaksandr Lukashenka and also introduced sanctions against 18 entities owned by the businessman.

After considering the Belarusian businessman's lawsuit seeking the abolition of the sanctions, the Court found that the Council of the European Union had "provided no evidence showing that Mr. Chyzh financially supported" the Lukashenka regime and ruled that the sanctions were not justified.

The Court also ordered the Council of the European Union to pay the legal costs of Mr. Chyzh and the entities.