TOP LEGAL EVENTS OF LAST WEEK

Since various international legal mechanisms have applied pressure on the entire power vertical of Russian Federation, Moscow has reacted applying an aggressive foreign policy rhetoric towards the International Criminal Court. At the same time in Russia this week, we can see a rapid raise in amount of ongoing political repressions, military censorship and unprecedented restrictions on freedom of speech.

Russia warned Armenia about "very negative consequences" after adopting Rome Statute. Moscow considers it absolutely unacceptable for Armenia to join the International Criminal Court’s Rome Statute and has already warned Armenian authorities about the "very negative consequences" of such a step for their bilateral relations. Moscow sees it as a direct threat to Vladimir Putin and uses threats to impose its own rules on Armenia.

In the next package of sanctions, special attention will be paid to fighting against the circumvention of previously imposed restrictive measures. The European Union has intended to include an 11th package of sanctions measures against the circumvention of those already imposed on Russia. According to a statement by former Special Envoy Stephen Rapp, the sanctions will not be lifted until Vladimir Putin hands over to the International Criminal Court.

Aleksiy Moskalov, whose daughter Masha drew an anti-war drawing, was sentenced to two years in prison. Masha Moskalova appeared at a propaganda meeting immediately after painting an anti-war drawing at the art class. The family experienced an open persecution from Kremlin-controlled media. Moreover, the decision to jail Moskalov shows that the Kremlin is not ready to accept freedom of speech in any way.

At the famous artist Dmitry Nazarov was drawn up a protocol under the article on the dissemination of fakes about the Russian army . The protocol was drawn up taking into account the poem "New Reality". A case under Part 1 of Article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (social actions aimed at discrediting the use of Russian Armed Forces) was registered by Tver court on March 21st.