Washington, D.C. — The U.S. has leveled sanctions against Russian judge Olesya Mendeleeva, accusing her of playing a critical role in the imprisonment of activist Alexei Gorinov, who opposed Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Gorinov, a vocal critic of the Kremlin, received a seven-year prison sentence after he criticized Russia’s involvement in Ukraine during a local council meeting.
The sanctions, enforced by the U.S. Treasury Department, involve the freezing of any assets Mendeleeva possesses under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit any transactions between her and American entities. This measure highlights the U.S. government’s reproach of what it views as Russia’s misuse of its judicial system to suppress dissent. Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, remarked on the issue, underscoring that Russia’s judicial manipulations aim to stifle opposing views and obscure the harsh realities of the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. stands with global human rights organizations in demanding the immediate release of Gorinov and others unjustly detained in Russia.
Mendeleeva’s sanctions were imposed under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. This act is a U.S. weapon against foreign individuals they believe to be responsible for severe human rights violations or significant corruption.
Gorinov, formerly an elected official in Moscow’s city council, was initially sentenced in July 2022. His conviction stemmed from public statements made during a council assembly where he challenged the official portrayal of the conflict, referring to it bluntly as a “war” and expressing concern over the resultant casualties, particularly among children. Contrary to the Russian government’s preferred terminology of a “special operation,” Gorinov’s candidness led to further legal troubles, and in November 2024, he received an additional three-year sentence based on charges of justifying terrorism during discussions with other inmates.
Conditions of Gorinov’s imprisonment have reportedly been dire. There are allegations of physical mistreatment and a neglect of his medical needs, contributing to his deteriorating health. These alleged conditions have prompted an international outcry from human rights advocates calling for his release.
The impositions on Judge Mendeleeva come at a time when the global community is increasingly vigilant about Russia’s treatment of dissidents amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The U.S actions align with a broader international plea for accountability concerning human rights abuses in Russia, especially towards those challenging the official narrative of the government.
This enforced stance from the U.S. reflects escalating concerns regarding the freedom of expression and the political repression within Russia. By highlighting individuals such as Gorinov, who face severe repercussions for their dissent, human rights groups emphasize the perilous environment for those who dare to contradict state-controlled narratives.
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