Canada Expands Sanctions Against Russia

Canada has intensified its sanctions against Russia, targeting 13 additional individuals from the nation’s intelligence service, police force, and corrections system. These sanctions are in response to their alleged involvement in the events leading up to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, passed away on February 16 at a Russian penal colony. He was serving a 19-year sentence, which Canada deems to be based on fabricated charges aimed at silencing political dissent. His demise has sparked international outcry and demands for accountability.

Within two weeks of Navalny’s death, Canada had already sanctioned six Russians, including officials from the penal colony where Navalny perished.

The new sanctions encompass senior figures within Russia’s intelligence and police sectors.

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly stated that these measures are not only a consequence of Navalny’s death but also address the nerve agent attack that nearly claimed his life in 2020, his unlawful detention upon returning to Russia in 2021, rights abuses during his imprisonment, the lack of investigation into his death, and delays in releasing his remains to his family.

Navalny’s body was eventually released to his mother on February 24 and he was laid to rest on March 1 in Moscow. His funeral was marked by police detentions as hundreds attempted to pay their respects.

Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s widow, continues her husband’s fight against corruption. Her planned visit to Ottawa for discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Joly was delayed due to aircraft technical issues.

Canada’s stance is clear as it holds those responsible for Navalny’s fate accountable. This move further isolates Russia from the international community as it faces widespread condemnation for its treatment of opposition figures.

Russia maintains its innocence regarding Navalny’s death, attributing it to an unfortunate incident during a prison walk. However, Trudeau, during a visit to Ukraine shortly after Navalny’s passing, accused Putin of executing Navalny out of fear of facing a formidable political rival.