(Adnkronos) – The European Council has extended until May 28, 2027, the EU sanctions against Russia related to serious human rights violations or abuses, the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and the erosion of democracy and the rule of law, as learned from an official communication. This is a sanctions regime parallel to that concerning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and that related to Moscow’s threats and hybrid campaigns.
The restrictive measures regime, initially adopted on May 27, 2024, currently targets 72 individuals and one entity, responsible for such violations and setbacks, including judges, prosecutors, and other members of the judicial system involved in the death of Alexey Navalny and the conviction of numerous activists and human rights defenders, as well as high-ranking officials of the penitentiary system and the Ministry of Justice, individuals involved in judicial proceedings against journalists and activists, and the heads of penal colonies where political prisoners and journalists have been detained and held in inhumane and degrading conditions.
The regime also allows the EU to target those who provide financial, technical, or material support, or who are otherwise involved in or associated with individuals and entities committing human rights violations in Russia. Furthermore, this regime introduces trade restrictions on the export of equipment that could be used for internal repression, as well as on equipment, technologies, or software primarily intended for use in information security and in the monitoring or interception of telecommunications.
