The European Union has imposed restrictive measures on two Russian judiciary officials, Dmitry Gordeev and Lyudmila Balandina, for their roles in serious human rights violations, the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia. Dmitry Gordeev, a judge of the Moscow City Court, has repeatedly issued politically motivated rulings against opposition figures and human rights defenders. He has consistently ignored exculpatory evidence and accepted unverified or copied police reports from former colleagues, demonstrating bias, conflicts of interest, and a lack of judicial independence.
Lyudmila Balandina, a prosecutor, has played a central role in several high-profile cases marked by serious human rights abuses and the repression of individuals critical of the Russian authorities or supportive of Ukraine. She has systematically used her prosecutorial position to pursue politically motivated charges, employing rhetoric aligned with Kremlin propaganda and seeking excessive punishments for peaceful acts of expression.
Through their repeated actions, both Gordeev and Balandina have contributed to the silencing of dissent, the repression of civil society, and efforts to legitimize state narratives equating criticism of the Russian government or support for Ukraine with extremism or terrorism.
As a result of the EU sanctions, both individuals are subject to an asset freeze, with EU citizens and companies prohibited from providing funds to them, and they are also subject to a travel ban preventing entry to or transit through EU territories. The EU has reiterated its firm condemnation of human rights violations and ongoing repression in Russia, particularly in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The legal framework for these measures was established in March 2024 to target those responsible for serious human rights violations, the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and the undermining of democracy in Russia. It also allows the EU to restrict exports of equipment that could be used for internal repression or monitoring of telecommunications and to target individuals who support or participate in human rights abuses.
