The UK will continue to support Vladimir Kara-Murza, the British-Russian journalist who exposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and is serving a 25-year prison sentence for treason, and calls for his immediate release, said British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Monday.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Russian Ambassador to the UK, Mr Andrey Kelin, following the conviction for political purposes of Vladimir Kara-Murza, who holds dual nationality , by a Moscow court on Monday, April 17.
“Russia’s lack of commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, is alarming. We continue to urge Russia to respect its international obligations, including Vladimir Kara-Murza’s right to appropriate health care,” Cleverly said.
The UK has already sanctioned the judge who presided over the trial for his prior involvement in human rights abuses and is considering further steps to hold accountable those involved in the imprisonment and mistreatment of Vladimir Kara-Murza, according to a press release from the British Foreign Office.
Mr. Kara-Murza was found guilty of treason for having disseminated “ false ” information about the Russian army and for having been affiliated with an “ undesirable organization”, according to an AFP journalist present at the Moscow court at the time. of the verdict. The journalist has already been the victim of two poisoning attempts.
The EU also condemned Russia for sentencing Mr. Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison on “politically motivated charges”.
“Today’s shockingly harsh decision by the court demonstrates once again the misuse of the judiciary for political purposes to pressure activists, human rights defenders and all voices out there. oppose the illegitimate war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine,” said Josep Borrell, Head of Foreign Affairs of the European Union.
“I pay tribute to Mr. Kara-Murza and his family, in particular to his wife Evgenia and his unwavering commitment to defending her husband’s cause on the international stage. The UK will continue to support them and call for the immediate release of Mr. Kara-Murza,” Mr. Cleverly said.
This article is originally published on euractiv.fr
