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WASHINGTON — The United States announced sanctions on Olesya Mendeleeva, a Russian judge, on Tuesday, citing her role in the detention of human rights defender Alexei Gorinov. The move comes under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program targeting serious human rights abuses.
Mendeleeva sentenced Gorinov, a Moscow city councilor, to seven years in prison in 2022 after he spoke out against Russia’s war in Ukraine. During his detention, Gorinov has reportedly endured physical abuse and been denied medical care.
“This sentencing was a blatant attempt to silence dissent,” said Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The United States stands in solidarity with the Russian people who face threats and imprisonment for exercising their basic freedoms.”
The U.S. government has called for Gorinov’s immediate release, along with all others arbitrarily detained by Russian authorities.
The sanctions, enacted under Executive Order 13818, aim to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable. For further details, the Treasury Department’s press release provides additional information.
“Today’s action reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting accountability for serious human rights violations,” statement added.
