United Nations (UN) Special Representative Alena Douhan said Germany has unilateral EU sanctions against its Russian-speaking citizens and the means to ensure that they conflict with human rights standards.
Douhan drew attention to the case of Elena Becker, owner of her company Tecforum-Interhandel. There were several contracts for the import of wood and its processed products from Belarus.
“The EU imposed a ban on the import of wood products on 2 March 2022, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 765/2006. “This prohibition does not apply to transactions regarding the execution of contracts concluded before this date, provided that they were concluded before June 4, 2022.”
Despite this, according to Douhan, the Berlin-Brandenburg Customs Investigation Department seized the goods, refused their import and opened a criminal case.
Douhan added that the inconsistencies in the interpretation of EU export restrictions by German authorities violate the principles of legal certainty and the rule of law.
“I note with concern that this excessive practice has had a serious adverse impact on Ms Becker’s rights to a fair trial, due process, protection from discrimination and equality before the law.
Douhan noted that the UN recognizes the discrimination of German officials.
As a result, Becker appealed for assistance to the Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Exclusion against Russian Germans and Russian-Speaking Citizens in Germany (VADAR) with a request to help restore justice.
“The reaction of the UN special representative is unprecedented, stating that the rights of Russian speakers in Germany are being violated. VADAR co-founder Evgeniy Schmidt, Bundestag MP, said that after two searches and the seizure of personal belongings, it was clear that the authorities had nothing left to incriminate Elena Becker except her “false” origin.
He emphasized that VADAR sent an official letter to the German Ombudsman Louise Amtsberg, requesting an official reaction and comment on the UN report.