US Ambassador to Moscow Lynne Tracy has condemned the jailing of Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, saying the criminalization of criticism in Russia is “a sign of weakness, not strength.”
“The court’s decision today to sentence Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison is an attempt to silence dissent in this country. We will continue to call for his release,” Tracy said after the sentencing on Monday. “Criminalization of criticism of government action is a sign of weakness, not strength.”
Tracy said the US would continue to work for a Russia where dissent from the government was allowed.
“We support the right of Mr. Kara-Murza and every Russian to have a voice in the direction of their country,” she said.
“Mr. Kara-Murza and countless other Russians believe in and hope for a Russia where fundamental freedoms are upheld. And we will continue to share those hopes and work for that outcome.”
