Human rights in Russia: Renew Europe Group calls for a Magnistky law at European level

The European Parliament has called on Russian authorities to release without further delay and unconditionally all illegally and arbitrarily detained Ukrainian citizens, both in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
In a urgency resolution on Russia, today adopted by the plenary, MEPs urged the Russian authorities to withdraw the so called ‘foreign agents’ law and to seek support and fully implement all recommendations of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission.
Speaking during today’s debate, Renew Europe MEP, Ramona Strugariu (PLUS, Romania), who was in charge of negotiating the joint text with the other political groups, called for a a Magnistky law at European level to punish those who violate human rights:

“Putin does not respect human rights. Last Sunday, dozens of people were arrested again in Moscow during a spontaneous protest against political repression. Civil society is systematically targeted and harassed with Soviet instruments such as the Foreign Agents Law, meant to stigmatise criticism or alternative views of government policy as disloyal, foreign-sponsored, or even traitorous. Abuses, violence, political arrests, torture – this is what the Kremlin does, not only with its own citizens, but also with Ukrainian activists, minority representatives or the free press. In blatant violation of international law, Ukrainian citizens were captured, detained in terrible conditions and subjected to torture.”

“Putin’s Russia cannot be a partner for the European Union as long as it brutally violates human rights and international law. Respect for human rights must be at the core of all EU negotiations with Russia, including in economic agreements. We also urgently need a Magnistky law at European level to punish those who violate human rights. If there are no serious consequences for Russian officials, the Kremlin will continue to act with impunity.”