The European Union (EU) has »strongly» condemned the 25-year prison sentence against Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara Murza on »politically motivated charges» and insisted that the ruling »clearly demonstrates once again the political misuse of the judicial apparatus to put pressure on activists, human rights defenders and voices opposing the illegitimate war of aggression against Ukraine».
The EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stressed in a statement that »this ‘trial’ does not meet international standards of a fair and public hearing by a competent, impartial and independent court», before stressing that »the hearings have not been accessible to observers».
Thus, he stressed that »Russia must also ensure adequate medical care for Vladimir Kara Murza and the other people in prison» and recalled that the activist said during his last statement to the court that »his trial resembled the show trials of the 1930s (of the 20th century)».
»The EU shows its solidarity with all Russians tried, imprisoned or intimidated for fighting for Human Rights, telling the truth and criticizing the regime. We call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all those imprisoned on politically motivated charges,» Borrell said.
We also call on Russia to repeal its repressive legislation, including laws censoring truthful information about the war against Ukraine and laws against so-called ‘foreign agents’ and ‘unwanted organizations’, which are only used to suppress civil society and independent voices,» he added.
That of Kara Murza, sentenced for high treason, is the harshest sentence handed down to an opposition leader since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine and is a particularly symbolic blow for dissidents, as he was one of the few figures who remained free inside Russia until his arrest in April last year.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
