Washington, D.C. – The International Republican Institute (IRI) released the following statement after Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was unjustly sentenced to an additional nineteen years in prison:
“IRI strongly condemns the further political persecution of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. This is simply a continuation of the Putin regime’s relentless assault on political freedom and another blatant attempt to silence dissent and instill fear in the Russian people.
“The world is watching in horror as Putin oppresses his own people, exports instability and authoritarianism around the world, and continues his brutal and illegal war on Ukraine. His regime’s actions, including the unjust imprisonment of Navalny and others, show just how much Putin fears his own citizens. The Russian people deserve to live in a free and democratic society where all opinions are respected, and citizens do not live in fear of their own government.
“IRI reiterates our call for the immediate release of Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and all political prisoners in Russia.”