WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Wednesday after the Trump Administration released five new sanctions designations under the 2012 Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act. Cardin and U.S. Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) are the legislation’s co-authors:

“I welcome the addition of five new sanctions designations under the 2012 Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act. Today marks a victory for the citizens of the Russian Federation, many of whom strive for a future governed by the rule of law.  I hope that today’s news provides a semblance of justice for the family of Sergei Magnitsky and those who continue the fight against corruption and human rights abuses across the country.  The “Magnitsky List” now includes 49 names, an important testament to the central importance that accountability and human rights should play in U.S. foreign policy.

“These five additions to the list include Alexei Sheshenya, Yulia Mayorova, and Andrei Pavlov for their roles in the Magnitsky case, and Ramzan Kadyrov and Ayub Kataev for gross violations of human rights.  I appreciate the work of career officials at the Treasury and State Departments for their work in investigating and designating these important cases.

“Since 2012, Senator John McCain and I have conducted rigorous oversight to ensure robust implementation of the Magnitsky law. In 2016, we wrote to the State Department with certain suggestions for inclusions on the list relevant to the death of Sergei Magnitsky. We also expressed concern that the allegations of torture in Chechnya against gay men and other human rights violations in the North Caucasus should be investigated. I am pleased they took actions that were responsive to our inquiries. 

“America’s values are our interests.  As a country we must remain steadfastly committed to the principles embedded in the Magnitsky law – accountability, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The American people expect U.S. policymakers to advance these principles in all aspects of our diplomatic relations.   I welcome today’s announcement and also expect the first publication of the Global Magnitsky sanctions designations this week.”