The European Parliament’s ALDE Group announced in a press release today that it has launched a procedure in European Parliament aimed at establishing a universally accepted list of officials connected Sergei Magnitsky’s death, obstruction of justice for the lawyer and harassment of his family.

The ALDE Group has proposed that all official placed on the list would receive an EU-wide visa ban and a freeze on all assets held within the European Union.

ALDE’s spokesperson for Russian relations Kristiina Ojuland noted that “the arrest and subsequent death in custody of Sergei Magnitsky represents a well-documented and substantial case of disrespect for fundamental human rights in Russia and serves as a chilling reminder of the many documented short-comings in the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms inside Russia.”

Meanwhile, ALDE Group’s leader Guy Verhofstadt said “as a member of the Council of Europe Russia has committed itself to fully respect fundamental rights and the rule of law. We need a firm, robust and comprehensive EU policy towards Russia, with support and assistance backed up by firm and fair criticism, including sanctions and restrictive measures when needed. Russia must conduct a credible and independent investigation encompassing all aspects of this tragic case”.

Read more on the ALDE Website