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Vladimir Kara-Murza
17 April 2023
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Justice & CourtsUkraineTaxationParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about vladimir kara-murza in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
I am grateful to raise the urgent matter of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition politician and journalist who is also a British national. He has been sentenced to 25 years in prison on politically motivated charges for criticising Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Mr Kara-Murza’s detention reflects Russia's suppression of dissent against its actions in Ukraine. His case joins over 500 others arrested for speaking out against the war. The UK condemns these acts and has been actively pushing for his release since his arrest last April, including through international forums like the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the United Nations. Consular officials have attended court hearings and delivered statements to Russian media on his behalf.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Melton
Question
I am disappointed that an urgent question was required today when clearly a statement was in order, but I welcome the fact that the Government have called in the Russian ambassador. We should be very clear that the sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza is a farce. His crime was speaking out against Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine and we should pay homage to his courage... [full question]
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her trenchant speech, which reflects the sentiment of the House. We agree with pretty much everything she said. The trial was conducted behind closed doors without observers or diplomats present. The defence had insufficient time and refused access to witnesses. Officials are investigating further sanctions on those involved in his case under Magnitsky propositions. A package of measures will be proposed within a week.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
The MP expresses deep concern over Vladimir Kara-Murza's sentencing to 25 years in prison, questioning the UK Government's support for him as a dual British citizen. He asks about sanctions against Russian officials involved, assurances on Kara-Murza’s health and safety, and details of public or private cases raised by Ministers.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the government's strong support during the trial but provides specifics on investigating further sanctions against those involved. He confirms summoning an ambassador to discuss Kara-Murza’s health issues.
Maldon
Question
The MP asks about efforts for the release of Evan Gershkovich and suggests targeted sanctions on persecutors of journalists in Russia.
Minister reply
The Minister responds that various actions are being taken to protect press freedom, including conferences and specific responses to journalist persecution cases like Evan Gershkovich.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
The MP criticises the government’s delayed reaction regarding sanctions on Russian officials involved in Kara-Murza's trial, emphasising the need for immediate action to prevent his death in prison.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges concerns about natural justice denied during the trial and discusses current efforts like summoning ambassadors for consular meetings. He also mentions looking into international law possibilities regarding dual nationals.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Question
The MP suggests expelling diplomats as a measure against Russian state actions.
Minister reply
The Minister considers the idea of expelling diplomats but emphasises balancing national interest in diplomatic strategies.
Question
The MP calls for using Magnitsky sanctions to target persecutors and advocates stronger opposition to Russia’s involvement in international organisations.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms considering all options, including potential use of the Magnitsky legislation. He also mentions previous actions like removing Russia from the UN Human Rights Council.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
The MP urges speaking more strongly about Russia as a totalitarian state run by KGB gangsters, drawing parallels to past Soviet dissidents.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that acknowledging the nature of Putin's regime is important and pays tribute to brave individuals like Anatoly Marchenko who stood up against injustice.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon Maesteg
Question
I first became aware of Vladimir Kara-Murza when I was the director of the British Council in St Petersburg and have since come to know him as a friend. Despite his bravery, UK Government has not sanctioned the 29 officials involved in persecuting Mr Kara-Murza, while other countries such as the US, Canada and Latvia have. Why is this?
Minister reply
Mr Kara-Murza’s bravery and determination are an inspiration to us all. Officials are looking at sanctioning those involved but cannot yet confirm whether it is possible.
Question
Like Mr Kinnock, I regard Vladimir Kara-Murza as a friend and have had him speak on several occasions. As Russia is no longer part of the Council of Europe or under the European Court of Human Rights’ jurisdiction, how will we ensure that our view of human rights applies in this case?
Minister reply
We will do everything possible to ensure Mr Kara-Murza’s freedom and work with international allies to bear down on his case.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Mr Kara-Murza is a member of the Lib Dems’ sister party Yabloko, whose activists are concerned about his physical condition. Will the Minister join me in expressing solidarity with all those brave activists who have worked with Mr Kara-Murza and provide a timeframe for reporting back on sanctions?
Minister reply
We will report back as soon as possible, but I understand her frustration. Mr Kara-Murza is not an enemy of Russia; he stands up for freedom, democracy and peace.
Question
Following the shocking sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza, will my right hon Friend confirm that all those involved so far, including prison guards and doctors, will be subject to sanctions?
Minister reply
We will look at every possible opportunity for sanctioning.
Question
The UK Government’s press release mentions the work of the UN Human Rights Council’s rapporteur on internal oppression in Russia. Will the Minister update the House on this and what he hopes the outcome will be?
Minister reply
We look at the work of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council all the time and report when necessary.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank the Minister for his answers. The sentence handed to Vladimir Kara-Murza is a sign that the Russian authorities are determined to silence critics of Putin’s regime and eliminate any threats to their system. What steps will the Minister take to work with counterparts in western states to ensure we safeguard those who expose the criminality of the Russian Government?
Minister reply
We will seek every way possible to protect whistleblowers and take every possible step to prosecute important issues.
Shadow Comment
Alicia Kearns
Shadow Comment
I welcome the Government’s actions but express disappointment that an urgent question was needed for this matter. I assert that Mr Kara-Murza's sentencing is a farce for criticising Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Committee recently published a report on state hostage taking, emphasising the need to speak loudly about such detentions. My requests are: provide more details on securing his release; ensure he receives necessary medical care under Russian law due to past poisonings; sanction 29 individuals responsible for holding him; and advise all British nationals to return home as Russia is no longer safe.
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