The will of Europe

The European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs almost unanimously approved the resolution on the case of Sergei Magnitsky, which provides for visa restrictions for Russian officials, one way or another involved in this story. This is one of the most serious after the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty

* * The Lisbon Treaty, also known as the Reform Treaty, was signed at the EU summit on December 13, 2007. It became a replacement for the draft EU Constitution, which a number of countries did not support. One of the goals of the Treaty is to unify the activities of the union. — The New Times. decisions of European parliamentarians in the international legal field, which demonstrates a strong political will, in which Europe does not need to hide this! - sometimes denied.

The committee's decision is a serious political message to the EU member states. In December, it will be considered at the plenary session of the European Parliament, and then each country will have to submit it for discussion in its parliament - whether to prohibit entry into its territory of these high-ranking officials. But here we must understand: it is enough for one country to introduce restrictions, as the rest, quite likely, will follow its example. Conclusion: despite the fact that real solutions are still far enough away, they are not at all mythical and sooner or later may come into force.

But our task, of course, is not simply to ban Russian officials and security officials involved in the Magnitsky case from entering Europe (our colleagues in the US and Canada are, as you know, considering introducing similar measures). All this activity is aimed primarily at, firstly, to punish those responsible for the death of Sergei Magnitsky, and secondly, to send a clear political signal to Russia: it is time to really engage in an investigation that, even a year after the death of Sergei Magnitsky, is not brought no results. The Magnitsky case is revealing: it demonstrates not only the highest level of corruption, but also the appalling conditions in which people are kept in prisons. By finding the perpetrators in this case, we will help those who continue to suffer from the Russian penitentiary system.

„

Civil society in Russia is ready for change, but needs much more support from above

”

How is Russia responding? On the one hand, President Medvedev, in his speeches, declares the rule of law, the need for an opposition in the country, and even passes bills concerning, for example, the non-criminal prosecution of people suspected of economic crimes. These are exactly the steps that we expect from the Russian leadership. But on the other hand, people involved in the most resonant case of the last two years, for some reason, are awarded state awards and promotions! Russia sometimes looks like a child who either quietly, surreptitiously, or shoutingly tries to insist on his own. If Russia wants a normal dialogue with the West, it must understand that human rights are not subject to bargaining. They can and should be discussed openly, on an equal footing.

The terrible fate of Magnitsky is a reason for reflection and political leaders of the European Union. When I talk to my friends in Russia, they constantly ask me if the European Parliament can put even more pressure on Western leaders to raise human rights issues at various summits more often. Civil society in your country is ready for change, but needs much more support from above. The latest decision of the European Parliament is indicative: the topic of human rights should become a priority for EU political leaders. And this will have to be taken into account.