Congressmen Cohen Questions Experts at U.S. Helsinki Commission Hearing on Countering Russia’s Terroristic Mercenaries
Ensuring bad actors are held accountable for genocide
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ranking Member of the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, questioned expert witnesses at the Commission’s Hearing on “Countering Russia’s Terroristic Mercenaries.”
In his remarks, Congressman Cohen underscored the importance of accountability for Russia’s genocidal actions in Ukraine. He referenced his resolution, introduced with Helsinki Commission Chairman Joe Wilson, which would recognize Russian actions in Ukraine as genocide. This legislation would send a strong message of support to the Ukrainian people.
He also questioned witnesses about reluctance to designate the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary network employed by the Kremlin, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and is hopeful the Secretary of State will take this important step towards accountability. See the full line of questioning here.
Witnesses at today’s hearing were:
- Justyna Gudzowska, Director of Illicit Finance Policy, the Sentry
- Jason Blazakis, Director, Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism (CTEC)
- Jason Wright, Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP and chair of its Economic Sanctions and Trade Control Committee and National Security Law Practice Committee
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