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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's replies to media questions on the statements by the British, US and Canadian ambassadors in connection with the verdict passed on Vladimir Kara-Murza

17 April 2023 21:02
726-17-04-2023

Question: What can you tell us about the statements by the British, US and Canadian ambassadors after the verdict on Vladimir Kara-Murza was announced?

Maria Zakharova: This is direct interference in Russia's domestic affairs.

Question: British Ambassador in Moscow Deborah Bronnert demanded that the court's decision be nullified. She said her diplomatic mission will support Vladimir Kara-Murza and hopes for his release. What can you say about this?

Maria Zakharova: We consider the statements by British Ambassador in Moscow Deborah Bronnert unacceptable after a Moscow City Court handed down the verdict on Russian citizen Vladimir Kara-Murza on charges of high treason and dissemination of fake stories about the Russian Army. These statements can only be qualified as an attempt to exert pressure on the Russian justice system. We do not understand why British diplomats dare judge the justice of court verdicts as regards citizens of other countries in a jurisdiction that has nothing to do with London.

This is yet another example of shameless hypocrisy. We know how British officials act in similar cases. Britain is talking about the dubious independence of its own justice system. Meanwhile, it is ill-famed for its obviously politically motivated decisions as regards independent journalists. The inhuman attitude of the British Themis towards Julian Assange is indicative in this respect and has evoked a wave of generous indignation all over the world, with good reason.

We are compelled to again warn the British authorities against politicising human rights issues in international affairs and urge them to give up their neocolonialist habits in diplomacy.

Question: US Ambassador Lynne Tracy and Canadian Ambassador Alison LeClairet said that that today's court decision is an attempt to silence dissenters. How appropriate is this assessment?

Maria Zakharova: These are the ambassadors of countries that shamelessly violate human rights and prosecute dissenters at home that are called "domestic terrorists" as happened with those who took part in the so-called "storm on the Capitol" or the Canadian "Freedom Convoy." Now they are demanding the release of a Western-financed foreign agent. This is the height of cynicism.

It is time for Washington and Ottawa to realise that attempts to exert pressure on Russia's government bodies and independent justice system are clearly doomed to fail. Traitors, modern Vlasov followers and Banderites that the West applauds will get what they deserve. Their foreign curators will not help them avoid just punishment.

Any actions by the US, Britain, Canada or other unfriendly countries, which joined the rabid Anglo-Saxon Russophobia, that are aimed at fueling strife and enmity in our society will be curbed with resolve, and the diplomats involved in this subversive work will be expelled from Russia.