Another HFHR appeal on Sergei Magnitsky case

The HFHR appealed yet again to the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs to impose appropriate visa and financial sanctions on the Russian officials responsible for the death of Sergei Magnitsky.

The appeal is HFHR’s fifth statement on the matter. In response to the previous HFHR’s appeals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared, inter alia, that Poland would seek to develop a strong position of the European Union on the death of Sergei Magnitsky. The Minister informed that Poland’s involvement contributed to the European Council’s position of 27 March 2012, calling on Russia to not only pursue a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the death of Sergei Magnitsky but also to close the long-pending proceedings and to hold the guilty accountable for their actions. Furthermore, the Ministry informed that the case had been debated during the EU-Russia summit held in December 2011 when Poland presided over the Council.

In HFHR’s newest appeal we emphasize that the above activities cannot be recognised as sufficient. Not only have the Russian authorities failed to carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Magnitsky’s death, but they also continue the posthumous criminal prosecution of Magnitsky. Moreover, the individuals involved in explaining the circumstances of the death and looking into the relevant infringement of human rights are currently facing accusations of breach of Russian law.

The HFHR has indicated that, taking into account the gravity of the matter and the current conduct of the Russian authorities, Poland should take actions similar to the “Magnitsky Act” in the US, and impose relevant visa and financial sanctions on the individuals presumed to be responsible for the torturing and death of Sergei Magnitsky. We have also suggested that the general public should be informed about any actions taken by the Ministry with reference to this case.