The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
"Canada deplores the guilty verdict handed down to Russian political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has been sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment in Russia for making legitimate political comments. This court ruling is yet another gross violation of Russia's international human rights commitments.
"It is clear that Russia continues to completely disregard respect for democratic principles and for universal human rights-including freedom of speech-in relation to its own people and to others around the world.
"Mr. Kara-Murza stands as a symbol of the courageous and principled defence of democratic values and human rights. Russia's attempts to silence people of conscience only makes their voices more powerful.
"Canada stands with the democratic forces of Russia as we watch and lament the disappearance of freedom and the repression of political opposition in Russia."
