Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the Secretary of State’s release of the Magnitsky Act-mandated list of Russian human rights offenders:

“The publication of this list is a welcome step in our efforts to support democracy and human rights in Russia.  Although last year’s Magnitsky Act, which I strongly supported, highlighted the tragic case of Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer  killed after exposing high-level corruption, its larger purpose was to identify individuals involved in human rights abuses throughout the country.  I am pleased to see that this process has now begun and urge the Secretary to ensure that the names of all those involved in such crimes are made public.  We must continue to aid oppressed peoples around the world who are struggling for freedom.” 

 

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