The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russia’s No. 6 and No. 3 penitentiary institutions and 33 individuals, including Russian Deputy Justice Minister Vsevolod Vukolov, judges of the Russian Supreme Court, police officers, and Federal Penitentiary Service officers in response to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in prison. Among those sanctioned are the deputy minister of justice of the Russian Federation, the first deputy president of the Supreme Court Pyotr Serkov, the president of the Supreme Court appeals panel Vladimir Zaitsev, the first deputy head of the Federal Penitentiary Service Valery Boyarinev, and the head of the Moscow Federal Penitentiary Service Sergey Moroz. All persons on the EU “blacklist” are prohibited from entering EU territory and their bank assets are subject to freezing within Europe.
In a resolution adopted by the European Parliament, Navalny’s death is described as “murder,” for which Russian President Vladimir Putin himself bears “criminal and political responsibility.” The sanctions imposed by the EU aim to hold individuals and institutions accountable for their role in Navalny’s death and send a strong message against human rights abuses.
Navalny died on February 16 in a special regime colony known as “Polar Wolf.” A few days before his death, he was sent to a punishment cell for his 27th time. According to his followers’ conviction, he was either killed or brought to death under stricter conditions than those found in ordinary cells. The international community has been outraged by Navalny’s death, calling for justice and accountability for those responsible.
