Sanctions

US intel: Saudi crown prince approved op to capture or kill Khashoggi

The Director of National Intelligence has declassified the report that says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved action against Jamal Khashoggi as the Biden administration is trying to rewrite the balance of its ties with the kingdom.

EU extends sanctions on Belarus over alleged crackdown on protesters

EU sanctions include an asset freeze and bans on travelling in the 27-nation EU for 88 people, including politicians, state security personnel and business people, and asset freezes on seven organisations.

UN human rights chief raises alarm over ‘systematic crackdown’ in Belarus

The Belarus government unleashed a harsh crackdown against dissent and protests that erupted after President Alexander Lukashenko claimed a sixth term in office in a disputed presidential election last August.

Venezuela expels EU ambassador after new sanctions

Venezuela's move comes after EU foreign ministers agreed to sanction 19 Venezuelan officials a day earlier.

European human rights court orders 'immediate' release of Navalny

Russia's justice minister described the decision by the human rights court as unprecedented interference in the work of Russia's courts and said, "There are no legal grounds for the release of this person from custody."

Qatar seeks mediation between US and Iran on teetering nuclear deal

As future of 2015 deal limiting Tehran’s nuclear programme hangs in the balance following US elections, Qatar’s foreign minister meets his Iranian counterpart in an attempt to bring Tehran and pact cosignatories closer to a solution.

Myanmar's protesters defiant as military accused of human rights abuses

UN human rights investigator for Myanmar says "growing reports, photographic evidence" show security forces used live ammunition against protesters in violation of international law.

Does the EU’s pressure on Russia have teeth?

Despite its enormous economic power, the EU’s fractured political structure prevents the bloc from forming a united front against Russia.

EU, allies to speak with Navalny team as Russia expels envoys

The meeting is likely to be the first forum for the West to consider any possible joint response to Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny's jailing last week.

EU's Borrell heads to Moscow amid growing Navalny controversy

EU's move has drawn criticism from some European capitals worried Moscow will spin it as evidence Brussels is keen to return to business as normal. Navalny's imprisonment was met with several protests with many demonstrators detained.

Iran rebuffs calls for new participants, talks on nuclear deal

French President Emmanuel Macron earlier said that Saudi Arabia should be involved in any new talks with Iran on Tehran's nuclear deal.

Top EU envoy to visit Russia as opposition calls for more rallies

EU diplomats discussed slapping sanctions on the Kremlin after pressure from several capitals over the arrest of opposition figure Alexey Navalny, but decided it was "premature" to impose the punitive measures.