Australia sanctions 13 Russian citizens - foreign affairs dept

WASHINGTON. Dec 7 (Interfax) - Australia has imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on 13 Russian citizens, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

"Today, Australia has imposed [...] targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on three Federal Security Service agents," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

"Australia has also imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on ten individuals, including a Russian deputy minister, who are linked to the politically motivated arrest, trial and sentencing of Mr. [Russian opposition figure and journalist Vladimir] Kara-Murza [who is recognized as foreign agent in Russia]," Wong said.

Australia calls on Russia to abide by its human rights obligations as part of international treaties, Wong said.

"We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Kara-Murza and all other detained political activists," she said.