Statement on the imprisonment of Vladimir Kara-Murza
The Foreign Secretary calls for Russia to immediately release Kara-Murza on humanitarian grounds
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:
As Foreign Secretary, I am committed to calling for Russia to immediately release British national Vladimir Kara-Murza on humanitarian grounds.
Vladimir is being held in deplorable conditions in prison for having the courage to tell the truth about the war in Ukraine.
His absurd 25-year sentence shows the Kremlin’s deep fear that more Russians will know the reality of Putin’s illegal war – and is further evidence of the targeted repression of the opposition.
I am extremely concerned that Vladimir’s lawyers are being denied access to him in prison hospital, and that the Russian authorities continue to refuse him consular assistance from the British Embassy.
I was particularly moved when I met his wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, and mother, Elena Gordon, previously. Their determination and tireless campaigning are inspiring, and I look forward to meeting them again soon.