Chairman Risch on Sentencing of Alexei Navalny in Russia

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on Russia’s sentencing of Alexei Navalny to two years and eight months in prison:

“The decision of the Moscow court today to re-impose a jail term on Alexei Navalny for a politically-motivated conviction once again exposes the corruption of the country’s judicial system. Today’s hearing was a mockery of justice in a country that purports to be a world leader. Alexei Navalny, and the thousands of Russians detained during peaceful protests, should be immediately and unconditionally released and all charges dropped.

“Russia’s abhorrent behavior towards its citizens over the past two weeks demonstrates how terrified Vladimir Putin is of the Russian people. Arresting and beating thousands of peacefully protesting Russian citizens is unacceptable and belies the weakness of the Putin regime.”

###