Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich on Wednesday lost his legal case against the sanctions imposed on him by the European Union (EU) because of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The EU has sanctioned Russian officials and businessmen, freezing billions of dollars in Russian assets, since the start of Moscow’s war against Ukraine in February 2022. Abramovich, the former owner of British football club Chelsea, contested the measures.
“The General Court rejects Mr. Abramović’s lawsuit, thus confirming the restrictive measures taken against him,” the statement of the Court of Justice of the European Union states.
It noted that the EU “did not in fact make an error of judgment” in deciding to then keep Abramovich’s name on the disputed lists.
“The court further notes that the inclusion and maintenance of Abramović’s name on the lists in question does not constitute an unjustified and disproportionate violation of his fundamental rights, which in particular include the right to respect for private and family life, freedom of business and free movement,” the statement added.
In March 2022, the EU said Abramovich had “long and close ties” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, helping him “maintain his considerable wealth”, AA writes.
