On July 31, 2023, the UK government announced that it sanctioned 6 individuals involved in the trial of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British-Russian dual national and opposition politician, journalist and human rights activists in Russia who was recently convicted of politically motivated charges in Russia, including treason, spreading “knowingly false information” about the Russian military, and membership in an undesirable group. Kara-Murza, who spoke out about Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, is now facing 25 years in a penal colony after a Russian court recently rejected an appeal of his sentence. In response to this decision, the UK designated 3 judges, 2 prosecutors and an “expert witness” involved in his conviction and sentencing. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that the UK continues to support Kara-Murza and his family and their tireless efforts to secure his release. Cleverly also called on Russia to release Kara-Murza “immediately and unconditionally.”
These sanctions were imposed under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which subjects designees to travel bans and assets freezes in the UK. In April 2023, following Kara-Murza’s sentencing, the UK also designated 5 individuals, including a judge, 2 investigators and 2 Federal Security Service (“FSB”) agents allegedly involved in Kara-Murza’s poisoning and arrest.
UK Government Press Release | OFSI Financial Sanctions Notice – Russia