On 15 October, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna signed a decision to impose a national sanction on two individuals involved in politically motivated judicial persecution, violations of international law, undermining Estonia’s sovereignty, and suppressing democratic values and human rights.
“The persecution of our people for daring to stand up to the darkness and cruelty of Putin’s bloody regime brings consequences,” Tsahkna said, announcing sanctions against Prosecutor Lyudmila Balandina and Judge Dmitry Gordeev.
Tsahkna stated that both Balandina and Gordeev are directly responsible for the judicial persecution of Maria Smorževskihh-Smirnova, Director of the Narva Museum. “For years, both have contributed to the spread of Russian propaganda, the entrenchment of Putin’s oppressive regime, and the violation of freedom of expression and human rights.”
“We will not stop at national sanctions. Those who support and implement the brutal and authoritarian policies of the Russian regime have no place in Europe, and we will do everything in our power to deny them the privileges that freedom offers,” Tsahkna added.
The national sanction takes effect today and includes a ban on entry into Estonia.
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