Russia Trade and Human Rights Measures Approved

The Senate approved a bill Thursday normalizing trade relations with Russia after nearly 40 years of restrictions.  Accompanying the repeal of the Cold War-era restrictions, lawmakers also included legislation known as “The Magnitsky Act,” which would deny Russian human rights violators visas to enter the U.S. and would provide authority for U.S. officials to freeze their assets.  “The Magnitsky Act” is named for Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer and whistleblower who was allegedly tortured and died in prison three years ago.  Notably, NRB denounced the demolition of an evangelical Christian church in Moscow earlier this fall. Dr. Ron Harris, NRB’s Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, then stated, “Evangelical churches, ministries, and Christian broadcasters are all feeling the pressure from the Russian authorities.”

By Aaron Mercer, Vice President Government Relations

Published: December 7, 2012