Focus: EU imposes sanctions on Russian officials over exclusion of opposition party from elections

BRUSSELS, September 28 /ATSH-DPA/ — The European Union has imposed sanctions on those responsible for excluding the anti-war party “Yabloko” from the parliamentary elections in Russia.

Ten people were added on Monday to the EU’s long list of individuals and organizations subject to asset freezes and travel bans for their support of the Kremlin. Among those sanctioned are several judges, including three judges of the Moscow Supreme Court, as well as an official of the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office.

EU member states sharply criticized last week’s elections for the State Duma, following the clear victory of the Kremlin-backed “United Russia” party. According to the EU, Russian authorities have further intensified the systematic and institutional repression of democratic opposition forces, inside and outside the country, aimed at preventing them from challenging the political status quo.

On the same day, the EU imposed further sanctions on persons and entities involved in Russia’s efforts to deport and forcibly adopt Ukrainian children. The new measures target 10 individuals and 17 entities and organizations, including Moscow’s tourism authority and two Russian companies operating in entertainment, tourism, and children’s activities. According to the EU, these entities were involved in organizing activities contributing to the indoctrination and forced integration of Ukrainian minors into Russian identity, the education system, and social structures.