On January 29, 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/417 and Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/418 to add four individuals and one entity to the EU sanctions list under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The designations were in response to the deteriorating human rights situation in Russia. The designees include two judges and a prosecutor in the Russian judicial system who were allegedly involved in the prosecution of prominent Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. The Council also designated the Safe Internet League, a para-governmental entity in Russia that assists with the government’s censorship enforcement efforts, and its chairwoman Ekaterina Mizulina. All designees are subject to asset freezes and travel bans in the European Union, and EU operators are prohibited from providing funds or economic resources to, or for the benefit of, a designated person.
On January 29, 2024, the Council also renewed economic sanctions concerning Russia’s war against Ukraine to extend restrictive measures for six months, until July 31, 2024. The extension covers a number of sectorial measures, including restrictions on trade, finance, and luxury goods and a ban on the import or transfer of seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russian to the European Union.
Council of the EU Press Release – human rights designations | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/417 | Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/418 | Council of the EU Press Release – sanctions extension