Australia is deeply concerned by Russian authorities' arrest and subsequent sentencing of Alexei Navalny to two years and eight months' imprisonment. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concluded that Mr Navalny's 2014 conviction, which was used as grounds for his current detention, was "unlawful" and "politically motivated". We call for Mr Navalny's immediate and unconditional release.
Australia is also concerned by the approach of Russian authorities against peaceful protesters and journalists detained in recent weeks. We call for their release without delay. Australia supports all peoples' right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
We reaffirm a call for Russia to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into Alexei Navalny's poisoning using the banned Novichok nerve agent last August.
