University of Cambridge college condemns Russia’s jailing of Trinity Hall alumnus Vladimir Kara-Murza
The master, fellows and wider Trinity Hall community have condemned the “politically-motivated conviction and sentencing of alumnus Vladimir Kara-Murza in Russia” on Monday (April 17).
The British-Russian opposition leader was sentenced to 25 years in prison by a court in Moscow after he was convicted of treason and denigrating the Russian military in proceedings the Kremlin critic called a show trial.
Foreign secretary James Cleverly has condemned the decision and praised Mr Kara-Murza for “bravely” denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine – but the dissident’s wife, Evgeniya Kara-Murza, has said she is “baffled” that those involved in his trial have not yet been sanctioned by the UK.
Mrs Kara-Murza told the PA news agency: “I would very much like to see the British government actually doing something in Vladimir’s case.
“I would like to see the British government introduce sanctions against the violators of my husband’s rights. Canada has already introduced sanctions even though he is not a Canadian citizen.”
The US and Latvia have also imposed sanctions on those involved in Mr Kara-Murza’s prosecution. Mr Kara-Murza, who has endured two attempts to poison him, was arrested and jailed in April 2022 and was charged with treason. In October 2022, at a ceremony in Strasbourg, he was awarded the 10th annual Václav Havel Human Rights Prize in absentia.
Mr Kara-Murza studied history at Trinity Hall before going on to become an opposition leader and human-rights champion in Russia, despite the risks associated with those activities.
Mary Hockaday, master of Trinity Hall, said: “The actions taken in Moscow are the antithesis of everything we stand for at Trinity Hall. Vladimir Kara-Murza and his family have our support and we condemn the 25-year sentence meted out today, as well as the treatment he has received from the Russian authorities since his return to the country.
“Mr Kara-Murza’s actions and tenacious championing of human rights are an example to us all. We join the UK government in calling for his immediate release and urge Russia to treat Mr Kara-Murza in line with its international obligations.”
The Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge has also issued a statement condemning the actions taken by the Russian authorities, noting: “In his powerful closing statement to the court, Kara-Murza invokes the study of history as the key to a humane understanding of our place in the world, even in the darkest places and times.
“We commend his statement, which will surely find a place among the classics of modern Russian political prose, as a lesson in the value of the study of history as a school for life.”
In a statement issued by the UK government, foreign secretary James Cleverly said: “Russia’s lack of commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, is alarming. We continue to urge Russia to adhere to its international obligations including Vladimir Kara-Murza’s entitlement to proper healthcare.”
“The UK will continue to support them and to call for Mr Kara-Murza’s immediate release.”
A vigil – details above – to protest the sentencing will be held by the ‘UK Campaign to Free Vladimir Kara-Murza’.
