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Two prominent Kremlin critics who’ve been targets of Russian coercion are testifying before MPs Thursday in support of legislation aimed at expanding and toughening Canadian sanctions law.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British opposition politician and dissident who was imprisoned by Moscow, and U.S.-born financier Bill Browder are both appearing at the House of Commons foreign affairs committee to back Bill C-219.

The private member’s bill, sponsored by Conservative MP James Bezan, would make transnational repression an offence punishable by sanctions. This type of repression is when foreign states harass or harm critics to silence them or stifle activism. Those persecuted often include elected officials, political dissidents, human-rights defenders or journalists.

Bill C-219 would also compel Ottawa to publish an annual list of all prisoners of conscience detained by foreign states on whose behalf Canada has been advocating. A prisoner of conscience is an individual who has been detained by their government for their political or religious beliefs. This list would also include details of efforts Canada have made on their behalf.

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