Resolution on repression in Russia, in particular the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Aleksei Navalny

The European Parliament adopted by 508 votes to 14, with 31 abstentions, a resolution on repression in Russia, in particular the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Aleksei Navalny.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, The Left groups and Members.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russo-British journalist and opposition activist, was sentenced on 17 April 2023 to 25 years in prison for criticising Vladimir Putin’s regime and its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian political figure and laureate of the Sakharov Prize 2021, remains incarcerated in a penal colony where he has been subject to ill treatment, including torture, arbitrary punishment and psychological pressure. According to the resolution, the health of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Alexei Navalny is rapidly deteriorating due to mistreatment and lack of proper medical care, with Kara-Murza having been diagnosed with polyneuropathy and Navalny suffering from suspected poisoning.

Parliament strongly condemned the politically motivated conviction of Vladimir Kara-Murza by the Russian authorities and demanded his and Alexei Navalny’s immediate and unconditional release, as well as the release of all other political prisoners. It expressed serious concerns about the rapid deterioration of Vladimir Kara-Murza’s and Alexei Navalny’s health and reminded Russia of its international obligations, in particular regarding their access to medical treatment, lawyers and communication with their families.

The Council is called on to:

- adopt tough sanctions under the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime (the EU’s Magnitsky Act) against Russian judges, prosecutors and other individuals responsible for arbitrary prosecutions, detentions and torture in the context of politically motivated trials;

- adopt restrictive measures against those responsible for the arbitrary arrest and detention of political prisoners.

While condemning the ongoing crackdown on government critics, human rights defenders and independent journalists, Parliament called on the UN Human Rights Council to conduct an immediate investigation into the acts of inhuman imprisonment, torture and murder of political opponents.

Lastly, Member States are urged to provide humanitarian visas and other support to Russian dissidents at risk of political prosecution.