UK Set to Designate Russian Mercenary Group Wagner as a Terrorist Organization
The UK government is preparing to designate the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, as a terrorist organization. This move would make membership and assistance to the group unlawful, allowing for the seizure of its assets. The home secretary described Wagner as violent and destructive and a threat to global security, particularly due to its operations in Ukraine and Africa.
Wagner has played a significant role in Russia’s invasions of Ukraine and Syria, as well as its activities in African countries like Libya and Mali. The group has been accused of various crimes, including murder and torture of Ukrainian nationals. The US claimed that Wagner soldiers buried landmines in Libya’s capital, and the UK accused them of executions and torture in Mali and the Central African Republic.
The group’s future was called into question earlier this year when its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, attempted a failed revolt against Russia’s military officials. However, Prigozhin and other top leaders of Wagner died in a suspected plane accident and were buried in St. Petersburg on August 23.
By designating Wagner as a terrorist organization, the UK will add its name to the list of other prohibited organizations, such as Hamas and Boko Haram. The Terrorism Act of 2000 empowers the home secretary to ban an organization suspected of being involved in terrorism. The prescription order will make it a crime to support the group in any way, including organizing meetings, expressing support for its goals, or displaying its flag or badge.
This move by the UK government follows months of pressure from MPs to outlaw Wagner. Labour’s shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, welcomed the decision, stating that it was long overdue. He also called for a Special Tribunal to try Russian President Vladimir Putin for his crime of aggression.
While the Foreign Office has already imposed sanctions on Wagner, including freezing the assets of Prigozhin and other top leaders, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Alicia Kearns, stated that sanctions alone were not enough. She argued that the UK needed to proscribe Wagner as a terrorist organization.
The designation of Wagner as a terrorist organization will make it more difficult for its members to move money around and provide a legal basis for individuals, such as Ukrainians, to sue Wagner in British courts for compensation.
The Wagner Group is a private military firm (PMC) with close ties to the Russian government, although the Russian government officially denies any direct participation with the group. Wagner has gained international prominence through its involvement in conflicts and military activities, primarily in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The group recruits mercenaries from around the world, including Russia and other former Soviet republics. However, the exact extent of its involvement in various conflicts remains veiled in secrecy. Concerns have been raised about Wagner’s activities, its ties to the Russian government, and its adherence to international law and human rights standards.
In conclusion, by designating Wagner as a terrorist organization, the UK government aims to curb its violent activities and protect global security. This move will make it unlawful to support the group and allow for the seizure of its assets.
