Brussels, 17 April 2023
The European Union strongly condemns the ruling by a Moscow court to sentence the opposition politician, democracy activist and outspoken Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison on politically motivated charges.
Today’s outrageously harsh court decision clearly demonstrates yet again the political misuse of judiciary in order to pressure activists, human rights defenders and any voices opposing Russia’s illegitimate war of aggression against Ukraine.
This “trial” did not meet the international standards of a fair and public hearing by a competent, impartial, and independent tribunal. The court hearings were inaccessible for observers.
Russia should also ensure access to appropriate health care for Vladimir Kara-Murza and all others in prison.
In his final statement at the court, Vladimir Kara-Murza said that his trial resembled the show trials in the 1930s.
The European Union stands in solidarity with all those Russians who are prosecuted, imprisoned or intimidated for fighting for human rights, speaking the truth and criticising the regime.
We call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all those imprisoned for politically motivated charges. We also urge Russia to repeal its oppressive legislation, including the laws censoring truthful information about Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the laws on so-called “foreign agents” and “undesirable organisations” that are only used to suppress civil society and independent voices.
Source – EEAS
Russia: Sentencing of Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza
Paris, 17 April 2023
France is appalled by the 25-year prison sentence handed down to the Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, which constitutes another illustration of the Russian authorities’ campaign of repression against critics of the government and its war of aggression against Ukraine. France is troubled by the manipulation of the Russian judicial system, which has become a tool of oppression for the Kremlin.
Furthermore, France is concerned about the deterioration of Mr. Kara-Murza’s health caused by his abysmal detention conditions.
France calls on Russia to comply with international human rights law, release the political prisoners, and drop the charges against them. We salute the courage of the men and women –
Vladimir Kara-Murza and Aleksei Navalny, among many others – who defend freedom of speech and freedom of opinion, despite the risks that this entails.
Source – French Government