Britain has summoned the Russian ambassador in protest against the imprisonment of Opposition activist and Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza.<\/p>\n
Murza, who holds Russian-British dual citizenship, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by a Moscow municipal court on Monday after publicly condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n
Kara-Murza was arrested and jailed by Russian authorities in April 2022 within hours of criticizing in an interview Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “regime of murderers.”<\/p>\n
He was convicted with charges including spreading “knowingly false information” about the Russian armed forces; involvement with an “undesirable” organization; and treason.<\/p>\n
The United Kingdom has condemned the sentencing of Kara-Murza, alleging that it is politically-motivated.<\/p>\n
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it has summoned the Russian Ambassador, Andrey Kelin, Monday. “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,” the Office added.<\/p>\n
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly 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.<\/p>\n
Russia’s lack of commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, is alarming, he added.<\/p>\n
Cleverly urged Russia to adhere to its international obligations, including Kara-Murza’s entitlement to proper healthcare. He called for the immediate release of the 41-year-old journalist, author, and filmmaker.<\/p>\n
The UK has already sanctioned Sergei Podoprigorov, the judge who presided over Kara-Murza’s trial, and Dmitry Komnov, the head of the detention centre where he is being held. <\/p>\n
Cleverly said the government will consider further measures for holding to account those involved in Kara-Murza’s detention and mistreatment.<\/p>\n
Murza has received wide recognition for his work as human rights activist, including the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize in October. <\/p>\n