Magnitsky Family Meets With U.S. Lawmakers

U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin speaks alongside members of Sergei Magnitsky's family (left to right: Magnitsky's widow, Natalia; his son, Nikita; Senator Cardin; and Magnitsky's mother, Natalia)

WASHINGTON -- The family of deceased Russian whistle-blower Sergei Magnitsky has met with the U.S. lawmakers who spearheaded the campaign for human rights sanctions named after him.

On April 18, Natalia Magnitskaya, the lawyer's mother; his wife, also named Natalia; and his son, Nikita, met with U.S. Senators Benjamin Cardin (Democrat-Maryland), John McCain (Republican-Arizona), and others.

At a press conference, Cardin said Magnitsky and his family had "saved lives and encouraged others."

He also said he was "optimistic" that Canada and European countries would enact similar sanctions.

On April 12, the United States imposed visas bans and assets freezes on 18 individuals, mainly Russian officials implicated in Magnitsky's death.

He died in pre-trial detention in 2009 after alleging a massive fraud scheme by officials.

Russia has responded with visa bans against 18 U.S. citizens.