Press Releases

STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN ON THE -MAGNITSKY LIST-

-I view this list as an important first step toward holding egregious human rights violators accountable - preventing them from coming to the U.S. and using our financial networks.

-While the list is timid and features more significant omissions than names, I was assured by Administration officials today that the investigation is ongoing, and further additions will be made to the list as new evidence comes to light. The fact that a name is not on the list does not mean that person is innocent. And as the list makes clear, the law empowers the Administration to address human rights violations beyond the Magnitsky case.

-The message that we wanted to send with the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act is that we support those who defend human rights and the rule of law in Russia. There are limits to the power of even the most powerful Russian human rights violators.

-I know that the Administration agrees with this message, and I will continue to closely monitor their efforts on this issue. Sergei Magnitsky and others like him found the courage to stand up against a deeply corrupt Russian system; surely, the U.S. government can do the same.-

Michael Mershon

Deputy Chief of Staff / Press Secretary

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-03)

McGovern.House.Gov

Updates from Rep. Jim McGovern