Days after pledging to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the United Nations, France has sanctioned him and frozen his assets on its soil.
A statement from the Government of France cited the terror attack at Pulwama on February 14 that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel, saying the JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.
“France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in application of the Monetary and Financial Code. A joint decree of the Ministries of the Interior, and Economy and Finance was published today in the Official Gazette,” said a press statement from the Government of France that was also placed on social media by the French Ambassador to India.
Apart from creating hurdles for financial transactions, the sanction from France will also help in stopping travel by Azhar and his known followers.
Support to India in fighting terror
The statement reiterated French support to India’s fight against terrorism. France had extended support to India’s international campaign to ban Azhar as a terrorist, who threatens global peace and safety.
“We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree,” the press statement said.
France’s action is expected to put more pressure on Pakistan to act against the terror groups based in its territory. India has been demanding tough verifiable action against the terror groups and individuals like Azhar.
