The Australian government has announced a new package of sanctions against 14 individuals involved in suppressing freedom of speech in Russia and supporting its aggression against Ukraine. This was stated by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the ministry's website, emphasizing that the country consistently responds to human rights violations and political repression in the Russian Federation, writes UNN.
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According to the senator, the human rights situation in Russia continues to deteriorate rapidly – the Kremlin is increasing pressure on civil society, human rights defenders, and anti-war activists.
We condemn the intimidation and repression of those who fight for freedom in Russia, and call on Moscow to fulfill its international human rights obligations
Australian restrictions were a continuation of previous sanction packages adopted since 2022, which also concerned individuals involved in the poisoning and death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny.
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Wong also announced that she would meet with Yulia Navalnaya, the politician's widow and head of the Advisory Board of the International Anti-Corruption Foundation.
Ms. Navalnaya remains a fearless voice for democracy in Russia. Australia honors her courage and remembers the sacrifice of Alexei Navalny, who fought for freedom and justice until the end of his life.
The Australian government directly blamed dictator Vladimir Putin and the Russian authorities for Navalny's death, emphasizing that Moscow never conducted an independent and transparent investigation into his death.