Brussels, The European Union (EU) has approved additional restrictive measures against four individuals and one entity under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The move is a condemnation of severe human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, particularly in connection with the case of Vladimir Kara-Murza, an opposition politician and Kremlin critic.
The new listings encompass three individuals employed within the Russian judicial system, identified as responsible for serious human rights abuses. These violations include arbitrary arrests and detentions related to the case of Vladimir Kara-Murza. Additionally, the Russian para-governmental organization Safe Internet League, along with its Chairwoman Ekaterina Mizulina, is included for their role in aiding the Russian government in enforcing censorship practices and committing serious and systematic abuses of freedom of opinion and expression.
As per the sanctions regime, those listed will be subject to an asset freeze, and any provision of funds or economic resources to them or for their benefit, directly or indirectly, is prohibited. Furthermore, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.
The EU has strongly condemned the continuous expansion of restrictive legislation and systematic repression against civil society and human rights defenders in Russia. This includes the ongoing crackdown on independent media, individual journalists, political opposition members, and other critical voices.
In a clear stance against politically motivated charges, the EU calls on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all individuals imprisoned for such reasons. The EU specifically denounces the recent ruling by a Moscow court that sentenced Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison, considering it a politically motivated decision.
The relevant legal acts, containing the names of the listed individuals and the entity, have been officially published in the Official Journal of the EU. The EU remains committed to upholding human rights and urges Russia to address the concerns raised by the international community regarding the deteriorating human rights situation within its borders.
