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

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain and also call on Muhammad Yunus…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Balochistan: Where the State Makes People Disappear

The victims include students, journalists, and peaceful protesters, many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and Islamabad….reports Asian Lite News A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785

Monsoon Havoc in Pakistan

Since June 26, torrential rains have killed at least 299 people—including 140 children—and injured 715 in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Since June 26, torrential monsoon rains have devastated Pakistan, killing at least

Bangladesh’s Dark Turn

With the Awami League outlawed and absent from the electoral fray, a vacuum has emerged — one that has not necessarily been filled with stability….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s political landscape has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Russia and India need a new Rupee-Ruble pact

Russia can use the rupees the country has accumulated to

Portrayal of Cultural Landscape at the House of Lords marking World Heritage Week

The Sanskruti Centre marked World Heritage Week at the House