Australia sanctions 14 Russians for civil society repression
Australia has imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 14 individuals responsible for suppressing political expression in Russia and enabling the invasion of Ukraine, the government announced 3 September.
‘We condemn Russia’s intimidation and reprisals against civil society and human rights defenders, and reiterate our call for Russia to comply with its international human rights obligations,’ said Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
The announcement coincides with Wong’s meeting with Yulia Navalnaya, Chair of the International Anti-Corruption Foundation Advisory Board and widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in a Russian penal colony in February 2024.
‘Ms Navalnaya is a fearless voice for democracy in Russia, continuing her fight at immense personal cost,’ Wong said.
The new sanctions build on Australia’s comprehensive framework targeting Russia, including three packages since 2022 specifically addressing individuals involved in ‘the poisoning, mistreatment and death of Alexei Navalny’.
The government did not immediately identify the 14 newly-sanctioned individuals, following typical practice of releasing names through official gazettes rather than initial announcements.
Australia’s sanctions typically include asset freezes for any holdings within Australian jurisdiction and prohibitions on Australian individuals or entities from providing financial services to designated persons. The travel bans prevent the sanctioned individuals from entering Australia, though exceptions may be granted for humanitarian reasons or if deemed in Australia’s national interest.
