Minister Joly announces sanctions against the Russian government for the Kremlin’s responsibility for Alexei Navalny’s death

March 3, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing another round of sanctions. Six Russian officials are sanctioned under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations related to the February 16, 2024, death of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, and to Russia’s continued gross and systematic violations of human rights.

The individuals targeted in Canada’s latest sanctions are senior officials and high-ranking employees of Russia’s prosecution, judicial and correctional services who were involved in the violation of Mr. Navalny’s human rights, his cruel punishment and ultimately, his death.

The latest measures build on several sanctions against Russian officials to put pressure on those involved in Mr. Navalny’s unjust prosecution since his return to Russia in January 2021, as well as the silencing—with heavy-handed and often violent methods—of Russian citizens who protested his treatment.