Brussels, 29 January 2024
The Council today approved additional restrictive measures against four persons and one entity under the European Union’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, in view of the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia.
The new listings include three persons employed in the Russian judicial system responsible for serious human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, notably in connection with the case of the opposition politician, democracy activist and outspoken Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza. The listings also include the Russian para-governmental Safe Internet League which aids the Russian government in enforcing censorship practices, along with Ekaterina Mizulina, the Chairwoman of the Safe Internet League, responsible for serious and systematic abuses of freedom of opinion and expression.
Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze, and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit, is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.
The EU strongly condemns the severe expansion of restrictive legislation and systematic repression against civil society and human rights defenders in Russia, as well as the unabated crackdown on independent media, individual journalists, political opposition members and other critical voices.
The EU calls on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all those imprisoned on politically motivated charges. The EU strongly condemns the politically motivated ruling by a Moscow court to sentence Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison.
The relevant legal acts, including the names of the listed individual and entity, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.
Background
On 7 December 2020, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses.
On 4 December 2023, the Council prolonged restrictive measures under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
- Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/418 of 29 January 2024 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses
- Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/417 of 29 January 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses
- Consolidated text: Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses, including a list of sanctioned individuals and entities to 6 Dec. 2023
- EU adopts a global human rights sanctions regime (press release, 7 December 2020)
- EU Global Human Rights Regime: restrictive measures prolonged (press release, 4 December 2023)
- How and when the EU adopts sanctions (background information)
Source – EU Council