The United States has announced sanctions against Olesya Mendeleeva under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program. The decision is related to her involvement in the detention of Alexei Gorinov, a Moscow city councilor and human rights advocate. In July 2022, Mendeleeva sentenced Gorinov to seven years in prison, allegedly to suppress dissent concerning Russia's actions in Ukraine. Reports indicate that Gorinov has faced physical abuse and has been denied medical treatment during his imprisonment.

"The United States stands in solidarity with the Russian people, who face threats, violence, reprisal, and imprisonment from Russian Federation authorities for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms in their own country," stated Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson. He further called for "Gorinov’s immediate and unconditional release and the release of all others whom the Russian Federation has arbitrarily detained."

The U.S. remains committed to holding accountable those responsible for serious human rights violations within Russia. The sanctions are enacted under Executive Order 13818, which supports the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act targeting global human rights offenders.

For additional details on these sanctions, refer to the Department of the Treasury’s press release.