Latest news with #GlobalHumanRightsSanctionsRegime
Euronews
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Hungary seeks EU sanctions after death of Hungarian in Ukraine
Hungary has called for European Union sanctions against Ukrainian officials following the reported death of a Hungarian citizen during military mobilisation in Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán claimed last week that József Sebestyén, a 45-year-old ethnic Hungarian from Ukraine's Transcarpathia region, was beaten to death for refusing to join the Ukrainian army. Ukrainian authorities have firmly denied the allegations, stating the mobilisation was lawful and that Sebestyén died of a pulmonary embolism with no signs of bodily harm. "The Hungarian government has initiated the inclusion of Ukrainian leaders responsible for József Sebestyén's death on the EU's human rights sanctions list," Orbán announced via Facebook. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Brussels on Tuesday that Hungary would formally request sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which targets individuals involved in serious human rights abuses. 'We will officially propose that all Ukrainian military leaders responsible be placed on the EU sanctions list,' Szijjártó stated during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. Hungarian media, aligned with the government, reported that Sebestyén was beaten with iron rods during a forced mobilisation and died three weeks later. A video posted by his sister showed him on his knees speaking in Ukrainian, fuelling further outrage. Ukraine rejected the allegations, identifying the man as Shebeshten Yosip Yosipovich, a Ukrainian citizen. As Ukraine does not recognise dual citizenship, he was not officially considered Hungarian. Kyiv added that the man had abandoned military training and was later treated for acute stress in psychiatric care. Authorities pledged a transparent investigation and warned Hungary against disseminating unverified, emotionally charged claims. Rising Tensions The incident has heightened already strained relations between Hungary and Ukraine. Budapest summoned the Ukrainian ambassador and escalated its criticism of Kyiv. Orbán, who has long opposed Ukraine's EU accession, cited the death as further evidence of Ukraine's unfitness to join the bloc. Following a non-binding poll in which 95% of Hungarian respondents opposed Ukraine's membership, Orbán warned of 'economic and security disaster' should accession proceed. The Hungarian government recently launched a billboard campaign featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside opposition leader Péter Magyar, implying the opposition serves foreign interests. Hungary also continues to veto EU military and financial support for Ukraine, calling instead for an immediate ceasefire.
Shafaq News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
EU sanctions 8 Iranians, an entity
Shafaq News – Brussels/Tehran On Monday, the European Council imposed sanctions on eight individuals and one entity over what it described as 'serious human rights violations' linked to Iran, including 'extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and transnational repression' targeting dissidents beyond its borders. In a statement, the Council said the sanctioned parties were responsible for 'grave abuses' committed on behalf of Iranian state bodies abroad, particularly against individuals who voiced criticism of the Islamic Republic's policies. The measures were enacted under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. At the center of the sanctions is the Zindashti Network, which the EU identified as a 'criminal organization connected to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).' The group is accused of orchestrating 'multiple acts of transnational repression,' including the assassination of Iranian dissidents abroad—some reportedly carried out within EU territory. Sanctioned individuals include Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, labeled by the EU as an 'Iranian narcotics trafficker and organized crime boss,' and head of the Zindashti Network. His alleged accomplices — Abdulvahap Kocak, Ali Esfanjani, Ali Kocak, Ekrem Oztunc, and Nihat Asan — were cited for their involvement in the killings of Iranian dissident Mas'ud Molavi Vardanjani and Saeed Karimian, the owner of Persian-language broadcaster Gem TV. The EU also listed Mohammed Ansari, Commander of Unit 840 of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, accusing him of 'ordering the assassination of journalists critical of the Islamic Republic.' Additionally, Reza Hamidiravari, an intelligence officer with the MOIS, was sanctioned for 'overseeing Naji Zindashti's MOIS-directed operations.' Those named are now subject to an asset freeze, a prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to them directly or indirectly, and a travel ban within the European Union.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wheat shipment arrives in Syria as EU passes legislation to lift sanctions
A vessel carrying 28,500 tonnes of wheat has docked at the Syrian port of Tartous, marking one of the first major trade deliveries since the European Union and the United States lifted their economic sanctions on the nation, recovering from nearly 14 years of civil war and economic devastation. The move comes after the EU Council passed legislation on Wednesday that formalised the bloc's decision to end restrictive measures against Syria. The political decision was agreed upon by EU foreign ministers last week and follows a similar announcement by the United States earlier this month. Al Jazeera's Mahmoud Abdel Wahed, reporting from Damascus, said, 'There is no detail about the origin of the shipment, but we know this has a crucial significance for the Syrian people and the government. 'This is an indication the country can be re-integrated into the international community, that trade and commerce can be reactivated and an indication that the country, in the aftermath of the release of international sanctions, can be re-connected to the international financial system.' The lifting of sanctions is expected to accelerate the reconstruction of Syria's infrastructure and economy. Syrian banks, including the Central Bank of Syria, now have renewed access to European financial foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed the move, reaffirming Europe's 'commitment' to helping Syrians rebuild a 'new, inclusive, peaceful Syria'. 'This decision is simply the right thing to do, at this historic time, for the EU to genuinely support Syria's recovery and a political transition that fulfils the aspirations of all Syrians,' Kallas said. Sanctions previously imposed by the EU and the US targeted the government of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in a lightning rebel offensive, led by the now-interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in December. The measures had effectively shut Syria out of global trade and banking systems, severely restricting access to goods and investment. Al-Sharaa had lobbied for the sanctions to be removed as part of broader efforts to stabilise and rebuild the nation. Despite easing trade restrictions, the European Council has extended asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities associated with the former al-Assad government until June 1, 2026. It also imposed new measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, targeting two individuals and three entities for what it described as 'severe human rights violations'.
