Thank you for contacting me about Vladimir Kara-Murza, for whom I share your concern.
The imprisonment of Mr Kara-Murza represents another attempt by the Russian authorities to shutdown opposition to their policies. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time.
Alongside HM Government (HMG), I strongly condemn the politically-motivated conviction and sentencing of Mr Kara-Murza to 25 years of imprisonment. Russia's lack of commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial, is alarming, and I am assured that HMG will continue to call for Mr Kara-Murza's immediate release.
In response to Mr Kara Murza's sentencing, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) summoned the Russian Ambassador, Andrey Kelin. The FCDO will make clear that the UK considers Mr Kara-Murza's conviction to be contrary to Russia's international obligations on human rights, including the right to a fair trial. You will be glad to know that the UK has already sanctioned the judge that presided over the trial for previous involvement in human rights violations, and will consider further measures for holding to account those involved in Mr Kara-Murza's detention and mistreatment.
More broadly, I know HM Government remains concerned that political freedoms in Russia are becoming increasingly constrained. It is for this reason that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to urge the Russian authorities, at all levels of engagement, to uphold the safety of all activists and journalists, in accordance with the international human rights commitments they have signed up to.
I will be sure to continue to follow developments closely.