Statement by Russian and International Human Rights Group on the Unjust Sentence in Politically Motivated Case Against Russian Human Rights Defender Oleg Orlov

We, 32 Russian and international human rights organizations, condemn Moscow’s Golovinsky District Court’s sentencing today of Oleg Orlov, co-chair of Human Rights Defense Center Memorial, to 2 years and 6 months in prison on politically motivated charges of “repeatedly discrediting” Russia’s armed forces.

Orlov, 70, is a veteran human rights defender who has devoted his life to exposing rights abuses and seeking justice for victims. His “crime” was to protest the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine and the escalating political repression inside Russia. Orlov’s trial was a mockery of justice and an attack on the fundamental right to free expression. He and his legal team have said that they will appeal the verdict.

Russian authorities should quash Oleg Orlov’s conviction and release him immediately along with all those detained simply for exercising their basic human rights, including public criticism of government abuses. Key international actors should use their influence take all possible measures to obtain Orlov’s freedom and hold the Russian government accountable for its grave and persistent human rights violations.