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Australia sanctions Russians who poisoned activist

By AAP Newswire

Dec 7, 2023

Russian activist Vladimir Kara-Murza (file image) — Russian activist Vladimir Kara-Murza survived two attempts to poison him in 2015 and 2017. -AP

Australia has slapped financial sanctions and travel bans on three Russian security service agents involved in the poisoning of a prominent pro-democracy activist Vladimir Kara-Murza.

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A further 10 people, including a Russian deputy minister linked to the politically motivated arrest, trial and sentencing of the activist have also been sanctioned.

Mr Kaza-Murza survived two near-fatal poisoning attempts in 2015 and 2017, before being sentenced to 25 years behind bars under laws that prohibit criticism of Russia's armed forces.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong branded the laws draconian.

"Those responsible for Russia's appalling crackdown on civil society, human rights defenders, independent journalists, opposition figures and minority groups must be held to account," Senator Wong said in a statement.

"Australia calls on Russia to comply with its human rights obligations under international treaties.

"We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Kara-Murza and all other detained political activists."

Australia's Magnitsky-style sanctions allow the government to target serious violations of human rights.

They were first used in March 2022 to target the Russians responsible for the death of Sergei Magnitsky, who was killed after exposing corruption.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press