Western powers hit Belarus with a wave of new sanctions on Monday in a coordinated response to Minsk’s forced landing of a Ryanair plane last month to arrest a journalist on board, an act that is set to prompt further economic sanctions.

The EU, the US, Britain and Canada blacklisted more officials, lawmakers and ministers from the administration of President Alexander Lukashenko, whose air force intercepted the Ryanair plane flying between Athens and Vilnius on May 23 in what the West called state piracy.

“We are united in our deep concern regarding the Lukashenko regime’s continuing attacks on human rights, fundamental freedoms, and international law,” the EU, the US, Britain and Canada said in a joint statement.

“We are united in calling for the regime to end its repressive practices against its own people,” they said.

In Monday’s mix of travel bans, asset freezes and sanctions on state-owned Belarusian companies, western governments sought to escalate their pressure on Lukashenko, who is accused of rigging elections last August and cracking down on the opposition to prolong his now 27 years in power.

There was no immediate reaction from Lukashenko who has denied rigging the vote.

The EU included Russian businessman Mikhail Gutseriyev, the largest single foreign investor in Belarus, in its sanctions. That is likely to further strain Brussels’ ties with Moscow.