WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member on the Helsinki Commission, and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee celebrated the permanent authorization of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act with the following statement:

“Global Magnitsky sanctions, named for the fearless Russian anti-corruption whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky, have been a vital tool in America’s arsenal to hold the worst human rights abusers accountable across the world. I am glad to see the law get the authorization it needs to become a permanent part of our pursuit of kleptocrats, tyrants, and human rights abusers.

“Vladimir Putin and his cronies are engaged in some of the most horrific war crimes we have seen in decades. Oligarchs and kleptocrats play no small part in advancing Putin’s evil agenda. The unanimous passage of Global Magnitsky authorization will put enablers of Putin’s war machine on notice by raising costs for their actions.

“I extend my gratitude to Senators Cardin and Portman, for their partnership on this effort. I also think of my good friend Bill Browder, who has made honoring the legacy of Sergei Magnitsky and the fight for freedom in Russia the cause of his career. Our work in the Senate today brings us one step closer in advancing freedom, justice, and the rule of law around the world.”

The act’s reauthorization passed with a 100-0 roll call vote, permanently granting the U.S. government the ability to deny entry to human rights abusers and seize their property. Read more about Wicker’s work on the Global Magnitsky act here and here.