EU backs freeze on Russian assets

BRUSSELS (AP):

The European Parliament moved yesterday to freeze the assets of Russian officials involved in the death in prison of a corporate lawyer, and urged Russia to do more to punish those who commit crimes against Kremlin critics.

After Russian lobbying in recent days, the parliament softened the original language of a measure focusing on the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. But Magnitsky's employers see it as a key step towards bringing justice and pressuring Moscow to show its commitment to rule of law.

The parliament voted 318-63 with 95 abstentions for a measure that "encourages EU law enforcement agencies to cooperate in freezing bank accounts and other assets" in Europe of Russian officials involved in the case.

The measure also urges European Union members "to consider imposing an EU entry ban for Russian officials involved in this case".