The EU Parliament has called for the immediate release of Kremlin opponents Vladimir Kara-Mursa and Alexei Navalny, who are imprisoned in Russia. The two’s health rapidly deteriorated due to abuse and inadequate medical care, according to a resolution passed today by a large majority in Strasbourg.
MEPs have asked the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the “inhumane detention, torture and death” of political opponents in Russia.
EU countries must impose tough sanctions on Russian judges and prosecutors responsible for arbitrary prosecutions in politically motivated trials. EU states must welcome and support Russian dissidents who risk political persecution.
Kara-Mursa sentenced to 25 years in prison
A few days ago, Kara-Mursa was sentenced to 25 years in prison in a prison camp with particularly harsh prison conditions. It is the highest penalty ever imposed on an opposition figure in Russia.
Navalny was sentenced to nine years in a prison camp in March last year. Prosecutions against him on allegations of extremism and terrorism are still pending.