US imposes sanctions on Russia judge over detention of activist News
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US imposes sanctions on Russia judge over detention of activist

The United States imposed sanctions on Tuesday against Russian judge Olesya Mendeleeva due to her involvement in the detention of Alexei Gorinov, an activist who was sentenced to seven years in prison for opposing Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The US Treasury Department imposed the sanctions, freezing any assets Mendeleeva may have within US jurisdiction and restricting American entities from engaging with her. The department claimed that Mendeleeva’s involvement in Gorinov’s case exemplified the arbitrary nature of Russia’s judicial system. Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith stated:

Russia’s manipulation of its legal system silences dissent and suffocates the truth about Russia’s indefensible war against Ukraine … The United States joins civil society and international human rights experts in calling for Gorinov’s immediate and unconditional release and the release of all others whom Russia has arbitrarily detained.

The sanctions against Mendeleeva were enacted under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which targets individuals involved in serious human rights abuses and corruption.

Gorinov, a former Moscow city council member, was convicted in July 2022 under Russia’s controversial war censorship laws after he publicly criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during a council meeting. His remarks included statements about children dying as a result of the conflict and labeling the military actions as a “war,” contrary to the Kremlin’s characterization of the conflict as a “special operation.” Following his initial sentence, Gorinov faced additional charges and was handed a new three-year term in November 2024 for allegedly justifying terrorism during conversations with fellow inmates.

According to the US Treasury Department, reports indicate that Gorinov has endured poor treatment while incarcerated. Such treatment has included alleged physical abuse and denial of medical care. Gorinov’s health has deteriorated significantly during his imprisonment, prompting international human rights advocates to demand his release.

The development occurs amid increasing global scrutiny of Russia’s treatment of dissidents and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The US government’s action aligns with broader international calls for accountability regarding human rights violations in Russia, particularly concerning those who oppose the Kremlin’s narrative on the war. Rights groups claim the case of Alexei Gorinov highlights the risks faced by individuals who challenge state narratives in an increasingly repressive environment.

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