September 6, 2023
1 min read

UK to declare Wagner Group a ‘terrorist’ organisation

Committing a proscription offence could lead to 14 years in prison or a fine of up to 5,00 pounds…reports Asian Lite News

The UK Home Office has decided to declare the Russian Wagner mercenary group as a terrorist organistation which will make it a criminal offence to be a member or support the outfit.

A draft order to be laid in Parliament will allow Wagner’s assets to be categorised as terrorist property and seized, reports the BBC.

The order will make it a criminal offence to support the group, including by arranging a meetings aimed at furthering the organisation’s activities; expressing support for its aims; and displaying its flag or logo.

Committing a proscription offence could lead to 14 years in prison or a fine of up to 5,00 pounds.

The UK’s Terrorism Act 2000 gives the Home Secretary the power to proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism.

Before the act, it was only possible to proscribe organisations connected to terrorism in Northern Ireland.

Wagner will now join other organisations like the Hamas and Boko Haram that have been proscribed by the UK, the BBC reported.

In a statement, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said Wagner was “violent and destructive… a military tool of Vladimir Putin’s Russia”.

She said its work in Ukraine and Africa was a “threat to global security”.

“Wagner’s continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin’s political goals. They are terrorists, plain and simple – and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law,” Braverman added.

Wagner had played a key role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as operating in Syria and countries in Africa including Libya and Mali.

Its fighters have been accused of a number crimes including killing and torturing Ukrainian citizens.

The UK Foreign Office had earlier imposed sanctions on the group, including freezing the assets of Wagner late chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and several top commanders.

Prigozhin, who led a failed mutiny against the Russian military leadership in June, was killed in a plane crash along with other Wagner members on August 23.

ALSO READ-Putin orders Wagner fighters to sign oath of allegiance

Previous Story

Birmingham Declares Bankruptcy After Equal Pay Claims, Halts Non-Essential Spending

Next Story

78th UN General Assembly Session Begins

Latest from -Top News

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK Ex-PM Sunak Hails Meeting With Modi

Rishi Sunak and his family met the Prime Minister Narendra

Migrant crossings peaks, Sunak under pressure

That compares with 3,770 for the same period last year