Posts Tagged ‘anna Vvedenskaya’
“Magnitsky Law” as a universal tool?
The rejection of the Duma’s Speaker to lead the delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (Strasbourg) made headlines: apparently Sergey Naryshkin didn’t like to hear the report on Russia, examining its fulfillment of international obligations during the last seven years, simply labeling it as ‘a Russo-phobic’.
This was largely interpreted as an incapability to withstand well-grounded criticism by international partners – the 46 parliaments of member-states who expect the Kremlin to honor its international obligations on democratic development, including respect for Human Rights.
From the moment of the alleged flawed legislative elections the authoritarian rule in Russia has been desperate to keep the grip on power at any cost, a traditional Soviet-style violation of individual human rights attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
The season in the Duma started with a scandalous precedent of the stripping of a mandate from one of the most vocal critics of Putin, Gennady Goudkov (left-wing) who became subject of financial investigation shortly after he publically called Putin to step down.
The persecution of genuine political opponents followed after the draconian measures initiated by the Kremlin to silence the civil society: restricting demonstrations, use of internet, foreign aid, dramatically raising fines for all kind of civil disobediences, re-introduction of criminal charges for slander, all incompatible with the constitution.
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OJULAND: “MAGNITSKY ACT” IS A SURGICAL STRIKE ON CORRUPTION”
“I am extremely pleased with this visit, as it allows Americans to get acquainted in-depth with the EU policy towards Russia which is our strategic partner – said Ambassador Vale del Almeida greeting MEP Kristiina Ojuland – reporter on ‘Magnitsky Law’ in premises of the EU delegation.
On the one hand, none of the serious problems of international agenda as the conflict in Syria, or Iran’s nuclear program can be solved without Russia’s participation, on the other hand, we can’t practice “real-politics” turning a blind eye to human rights problems in Russia. Genuine partnership requires an open exchange of views, including criticism. “, – continued del Almeida.
Arriving of the MEP Kristiina Ojuland to Washngton at the voting day for “Magnitsky Act” in the Senat is not a mere coincidence. More recently Ojulnad, appointed as a reporter on the case of Magnitsky in the European Parliament, – will participate in the conference “Towards Democratic Russia” with Senators Benjamin Cardin and Kelly Ayotte – which will be held on June 27 at the Congress.
Further Ojuland planned the meetings with representatives of different political forces, in particular, with Senator McCain. “We live in times of an individual, not collective responsibility, so the replacement of “Jackson-Vanik amendment’ to the “Magnitsky Law” is a fair and modern solution for fighting corruption – said Ojuland. – ‘Magnitsky Law” – is a surgical strike on corruption, it is not directed against the Russian people. ” Despite the approval of the Senate to become law, “bill Magnitsky” should get the green light in the U.S. House of Representatives that will not happen before the autumn of this year.
However, the opinion of senators has significantly advanced the struggle for justice for the deceased Sergei Magnitsky and against corruption in Russia in general. “In the European Parliament there is a growing interest for the idea of” ‘Magnitsky law” among representatives of different political forces.
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