Statement on the sentencing of Alexei Navalny

Ireland condemns the decision by the Russian Authorities to sentence Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny to two years and eight months’ in prison.

The European Court of Human Rights has already determined, in a 2017 judgement, that the conviction on which this sentence is based, was arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable. The imposition of this sentence is deeply disturbing and is not in keeping Russia’s international human rights obligations.

Ireland reiterates the call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Navalny. We also call for the release of the citizens and journalists who have been detained for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

Ireland and our EU partners will continue to monitor the situation and will discuss the EU response at our next Foreign Affairs Council meeting.