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The federal government accuses Russia of repressing political dissent following the death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent anti-corruption and anti-Putin activist, and responds with additional sanctions.
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong is scheduled to meet with Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition figure who passed away in 2024 after being incarcerated in a Siberian prison.
“Ms Navalnaya continues to be a courageous advocate for democracy in Russia, despite facing great personal risk,” Wong stated in a release on Wednesday.
“Russia did not conduct an independent and clear investigation into Mr. Navalny’s passing, and Australia holds President Vladimir Putin and his government accountable.
“We commend Ms Navalnaya’s bravery and remember Mr. Navalny’s devotion and significant impact in the pursuit of freedom and justice.”
Yulia Navalnaya is currently serving on the board of the International Anti-Corruption Foundation, which aims to “expose the truth about Russian criminal authority”. 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 condition in Russia continues to decline with aggressive efforts to crush human rights and anti-war activism,” Wong commented.
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.
