The United Kingdom has condemned the politically-motivated
conviction and sentencing of British dual-national Vladimir
Kara-Murza in a Moscow court today.
Vladimir Kara-Murza is an opposition politician, journalist, and
human rights activist in Russia and he has received wide
recognition for his work, including the Vaclev Havel Human Rights
Prize.
He has previously faced two attempts to poison him. Mr Kara-Murza
was arrested and jailed by Russian authorities in April 2022. He
was convicted with politically motivated charges including
spreading "knowingly false information" about the Russian armed
forces; involvement with an "undesirable" organisation; and
treason, and has been sentenced to 25 years in a Russian prison
today.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has summoned
the Russian Ambassador, Andrey Kelin, today. It will make clear
that the UK considers Mr Kara-Murza’s conviction to be contrary
to Russia’s international obligations on human rights, including
the right to a fair trial.
Foreign Secretary said:
“Vladimir Kara-Murza bravely denounced Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine for what it was – a blatant violation of international
law and the UN Charter.
“Russia’s lack of commitment to protecting fundamental human
rights, including freedom of expression, is alarming. We continue
to urge Russia to adhere to its international obligations
including Vladimir Kara-Murza's entitlement to proper
healthcare.
“I pay tribute to Mr Kara-Murza and his family, including his
wife Evgenia and her unwavering commitment to raising her
husband’s cause on the international stage. The UK will continue
to support them and to call for Mr Kara-Murza’s immediate
release.”
The UK has already sanctioned the judge that presided over the
trial for previous involvement in human rights violations, and
will consider further measures for holding to account those
involved in Vladimir Kara-Murza's detention and mistreatment.
Notes to Editors:
- British Embassy officials have attended Mr Kara-Murza's court
hearings in Moscow throughout the year. FCDO Officials have
consistently raised Mr Kara-Murza’s case with the Russian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Embassy, and will
continue to do so.
- The UK sanctioned Sergei Podoprigorov, the judge that
presided over Mr Kara-Murza’s trial, and Dmitry Komnov, the head
of the detention centre where Mr Kara-Murza is being held, in
2020 under our Global Human Rights Regime for involvement in
human rights violations against Sergei Magnitsky.
- With international partners, the UK has invoked the OSCE's
Moscow Mechanism which evidenced Russia’s efforts to wage a
campaign of repression against its own people. We are also taking
forward the report's recommendations, and have helped secure a
United Nations Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur. They will
be charged with undertaking country visits, acting on individual
cases of reported violations and concerns of a broader nature,
and raising public awareness and providing advice for technical
cooperation.
