Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012

Floor Speech

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Mr. COHEN. I rise in strong support of this legislation because it will mean jobs in Memphis and will make Russia, which is potentially our most important bilateral relationship, a stronger one. I also rise as a cosponsor of the Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act. We must hold Magnitsky's killers accountable as well as others who have been responsible for human rights abuses in Russia.

I am particularly concerned about the case of an all-women's punk rock band that staged an unauthorized concert in a church to protest President Putin. They were arrested and charged with hooliganism, motivated by religious hatred. They were sentenced subject to a trial that was little more than a farce. They were not allowed to testify and weren't allowed testimony by witnesses on their side. They were sentenced to a 2-year prison sentence in a penal colony far away from their families and far away from Moscow.

I recently met with their legal team and with the husband of one of their members, and I found their story troubling as they are the latest victims of the Russian Government's brutal crackdown on dissent. Those responsible for this miscarriage of justice should be held accountable, which is why this bill is important. The band was prevented from exercising First Amendment rights and also from having a fair trial.

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Mr. COHEN. These are exactly the sorts of victims contemplated in this legislation. I hope the State Department will give strong consideration to their case when compiling the list called for in this legislation. Russia should be a partner and friend, but we cannot stand by while they continue to violate the rights of their people with these abuses.

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