The House of Commons has passed a motion to classify the Wagner Group, a mercenary organization defending Russia’s interests and active in Ukraine, as a “terrorist” entity.
The unanimous motion for approval was initiated by NDP MP Heather McPherson.
“The Wagner Group threatens international security, civil life and democracy. The government needs to do the right thing and hold them accountable,” McPherson said in a party statement.
“They have committed untold war crimes and must be labeled a terrorist entity to prevent countries and others from collaborating with the group to commit further atrocities.”
Acceptance of the motion does not necessarily mean that the Wagner Group is now considered a terrorist entity, as that would require a political decision.
The United States called the group an “international criminal organization” last Thursday.
Active in several war zones including Syria and Mali, the Wagner Group, known for its brutality, is owned by a Russian oligarch named Evguéni Prigojine, who is said to have had ties to President Vladimir Putin for many years.
According to multiple media outlets, the paramilitary organization was formed in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea.