[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 199 (Tuesday, November 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING AND HONORING SERGEI MAGNITSKY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2021

  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, today we remember and honor Sergei 
Magnitsky, the Russian tax lawyer who in 2008 uncovered a massive fraud 
scheme of hundreds of millions of dollars perpetrated by law 
enforcement officers. In any normal situation, Mr. Magnitsky would have 
been praised for his efforts. But this was Putin's Russia, and he was 
arrested by the very people whose nefarious dealings he exposed. The 
conditions Mr. Magnitsky faced in prison for almost a year were 
inhumane, and on November 16, 2009, already weakened and seriously ill, 
he did not survive the beatings he received from prison guards.
  Twelve years later, Putin still controls Russia. Throughout the 
country, hundreds of prisoners of conscience languish behind bars 
because of their political opinions, their activism, and even their 
religious beliefs.
  Thanks to Sergei Magnitsky's determination to stand up for what is 
right in the face of overwhelming state power, the laws that bear his 
name ensure they will not be forgotten. His story is the story of many 
others--not only in Russia, but worldwide. Exposing human rights abuses 
and corruption carries many risks in many countries. Yet there are many 
brave people who continue to reveal the truth.
  The Magnitsky Act has become a living memorial to Sergei Magnitsky's 
bravery. We in Congress originally passed this legislation to sanction 
those involved in the death of Mr. Magnitsky. Since then, we have 
expanded it to cover the world's worst human rights abusers. What began 
here has spread internationally as the United Kingdom, the European 
Union, and Canada have all adopted their own Magnitsky sanctions. Many 
others, such as Japan, Australia, and Taiwan, are considering their own 
legislation.
  Magnitsky sanctions have completely changed the nature of the fight 
for human rights and against corruption. They not only protect our own 
system against abuse but also provide a measure of justice to those 
denied it abroad. We will keep encouraging our democratic allies to 
adopt similar sanctions so that one day there will be no safe haven 
left for kleptocrats and their blood money.
  Finding justice for Sergei Magnitskyin Putin's Russia seems more 
impossible with each passing year. However, we have not forgotten his 
tragic story and we will never stop calling for accountability for 
those who imprisoned him and ultimately killed him; those who enabled 
corruption and abetted murder. We are determined to not let his memory 
fade. Instead, he will serve as an indelible reminder of all those who 
suffer under corrupt regimes.

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