The European Union commemorates the victims of political repression and recognises the unwavering dedication of those who continue to work on the remembrance of victims. Acknowledging the mistakes of the past is essential for building a better future. Governments hold a special responsibility in this regard.

In Russia, we observe actions that contradict this principle. The regime recently revoked the rehabilitation of over 4,000 Soviet-era victims of political repression. And according to “The support for political prisoners. Memorial” project, there are currently more than 750 political prisoners in Russia - people who risk their lives for the freedom of others and for the very values that those in the democratic world would take for granted.

In a healthy democracy, political activists, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, journalists, historians, or scientists should never be imprisoned. Individuals such as Igor Baryshnikov, Yuri Dmitriev, Antonina Favorskaya, Aleksei Gorinov, and Maria Ponomarenko must be released immediately and unconditionally.
Political prisoners in Russia face the persistent use of torture and mistreatment, including prolonged detention in punitive isolation cells in cold, damp conditions and denial of adequate medical care, leading to severe health deterioration or even death, as of opposition politician Alexei Navalny earlier this year. They are often hidden from public view, denied access to legal representation, or cut off from their families.

Russia continues to manipulate and distort history to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine. We urge Russia to repeal its oppressive legislation, including on criminalising truthful information about its war of aggression, and targeting so-called “foreign agents” and “undesirable organisations”, which are merely tools to suppress civil society and independent voices.

The European Union stands in solidarity with and expresses its deep admiration and strong support to Russian citizens who, despite great personal risks and under extremely difficult conditions, bravely speak the truth and work towards a free and democratic Russia, committed to human rights, the rule of law and peace.