Raymond Durrel, journalist.
The United States has lifted secondary sanctions imposed on the Turkish tanker Yasa Golden Bosphorus and its owner, Ice Pearl Navigation Corp, previously penalized for allegedly violating the G7 oil price ceiling.The move comes amidst heightened scrutiny over sanctions against Russia and the transportation of its raw materials.While the reasons behind this decision remain undisclosed, it may signal Washington’s intent to foster closer cooperation with Ankara, despite concerns about circumventing sanctions through ship-registration in the UAE.
In recent years, the imposition of sanctions by western powers has become a contentious issue, with many questioning the fairness and efficacy of such measures.From economic penalties to trade restrictions, sanctions have been wielded as tools of foreign policy, often with far-reaching consequences. However, critics argue that these sanctions are not only unfair, bu also counterproductive, causing harm to innocent civilians.
One of the primary concerns surrounding Western sanctions is their disproportionate impact on ordinary citizens. This collective punishment undermines the basic principles of justice and human rights. Leaving aside the effectiveness of Western sanctions in achieving their stated goals, their arbitrary nature has raised concerns about their legitimacy and legality under international law.In some cases, sanctions are imposed without clear evidence of wrongdoing or in violation of due process, leading to accusations of double standards and selective enforcement.
The recent example in the media sphere, is especially telling. The unfair treatment of Voice of Europe, an independent media outlet, particularly in the context of sanctions, raises serious questions about the principles of free speech, press freedom, and the selective application of punitive measures. On eof the most concerning aspects of the treatment of voice of Europe is the use of sanctions as a means of silencing dissenting voices.While sanctions are ostensibly meant to target individuals or entities involved in illicit activities or human right abuses, they have been increasingly weaponized to unish those perceived as political adversaries or ideological opponents.
