UK condemns conviction, sentencing of British-Russian opposition figure

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – The UK condemns the conviction and sentencing of British dual national Vladimir Kara-Murza in a Moscow court, the Foreign Office said in a statement on Monday.

Kara-Murza faced a “politically-motivated conviction," said the statement, noting that he is an opposition politician, journalist, and human rights activist in Russia.

Following Monday’s conviction and handing down of a 25-year sentence, the Foreign Office summoned Russian Ambassador to UK Andrey Kelin, saying 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."

"Vladimir Kara-Murza bravely denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for what it was – a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter," Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in the statement.

"Russia’s lack of commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, is alarming," he added.

The statement added that the UK has already sanctioned the judge that presided over the trial for "previous involvement in human rights violations," and will consider further measures against those involved in the detention of the opposition figure.

A Russian court on Monday sentenced journalist Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison on charges of treason, spreading “false information” about the Russian military, and leading an “undesirable” organization.