Russia announced on Monday that it would ban 100 Canadians, including actor Jim Carrey and several journalists, from entering its territory, particularly in response to Canadian sanctions targeting Russian journalists and actors in October.
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This decision was taken in response to “the practice of the imposition of sanctions by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s regime against the leaders of Russia, its politicians, its parliamentarians (…), journalists and cultural figures,” explains the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release.
Among those banned from entering Russia is actor and comedian Jim Carrey, 60.
In addition to the Hollywood star, the list also includes journalists Paul Workman from CTV and Margaret Evans from CBC, Caroline Xavier, head of the Communications Security Establishment, as well as several Canadian figures of Ukrainian descent.
According to the statement, Moscow accuses them of “direct involvement in shaping an aggressive anti-Russian policy.”
Since the Russian offensive in Ukraine began on February 24, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,400 individuals and entities located in or originating from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine.
In October, Canada specifically imposed sanctions on Russian journalists and media and actors believed to be “accomplices in disinformation” in connection with the conflict in Ukraine.