The Russian United Democratic Party YABLOKO expresses its categorical protest in connection with a court’s sentence to renowned human rights activist Lev Ponomaryov. This sentence is another example demonstrating the use of force when citizens try to realise their constitutional rights. Grave violations of the law and the use of force in detentions and fraudulent evidence in trials have become an everyday practice for the interior. The courts acting in Stalin’s style are guided by the idea that the law enforcement are always right and protesting or dissenting citizens are necessarily criminals.
The sentences become tougher and accusations more absurd. This is an indication of a deep crisis of the Russian law enforcement and judicial systems that badly need real rather than decorative reforms.
Public Prosecutor’s Office should implement its functions cancelling non-constiuttional and unlawful actions by the interior and judges.
We demand immediate release of Lev Ponomaryov and stop of reprisals by the police and courts.
Sergei Mitrokhin,
Chair of the YABLOKO party
See also:
Human Rights
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Assembly
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