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The federal government is accusing Russia of silencing political expression after the death of anti-corruption and anti-Putin campaigner Alexei Navalny, as it imposes more sanctions.
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong will meet Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died in 2024 after being sent to a prison in Siberia.
“Ms Navalnaya is a fearless voice for democracy in Russia, continuing her fight at immense personal cost,” Wong said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Russia failed to undertake an independent and transparent investigation into Mr Navalny’s death, and Australia holds President [Vladimir] Putin and the Russian government responsible.
“We honour Ms Navalnaya’s courage and reflect on Mr Navalny’s sacrifice and enduring legacy in the fight for freedom and justice.”
Yulia Navalnaya is now on the board of the International Anti-Corruption Foundation, which was set up to tell “the truth about Russian criminal power”. Source: EPA / Hannibal Hanschke
Financial sanctions, travel bans
Australia has imposed new, targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against 14 persons it says are responsible for silencing political expression in Russia and enabling the “illegal and immoral” invasion of Ukraine.
“The human rights situation in Russia continues to deteriorate with violent crackdowns aimed at suppressing human rights and anti-war advocacy,” Wong said.
The government has reiterated its call for Russia to comply with its international human rights obligations.
The announcement builds on the government’s current sanctions against Russia, including three packages since 2022 targeting individuals involved in the poisoning, mistreatment and death of Navalny.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley is also meeting with Navalnaya on Wednesday afternoon.
