One year ago, Vladimir Kara-Murza was arbitrarily detained near his home in Moscow after denouncing Russia’s war on Ukraine. As an outspoken advocate for a free Russia, political opposition leader, journalist, and historian, Kara-Murza has been a courageous promoter of democratic values and fundamental human rights.
Kara-Murza’s almost year-long pretrial detention has faced multiple extensions as increasingly serious charges have been brought against him, including “spreading false information” for speaking freely about the atrocities of Putin’s regime. With recent news of Kara-Murza’s deteriorating health in prison, the need for his immediate release has become even more urgent. We must continue to speak out about Kara-Murza and the around 600 other political prisoners in Russia today.
The Free Russia Foundation, George W. Bush Institute, Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, Human Rights First, McCain Institute, National Endowment for Democracy, Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights, and the Reagan Institute have been working to advocate for Kara-Murza’s release and accountability for those involved in his persecution. Join us as we bring together experts, activists, and policymakers to discuss Kara-Murza’s current detention, mechanisms for his release, and the prospects for a free and democratic Russia.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland)
U.S. Senator for Maryland
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)
U.S. Senator for South Carolina
Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN)
9th District of Tennessee, U.S. House of Representatives
Representative Bill Keating (D-MA)
9th Congressional District of Massachusetts, U.S. House of Representatives
Evgenia Kara-Murza, keynote remarks
Activist and Spouse of Vladimir Kara-Murza
Natalia Arno
President, Free Russia Foundation
Bill Browder
Founder, Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign
Ellen Bork
Fellow, George W. Bush Institute
Irwin Cotler (Video)
International Chair, Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights
Evelyn Farkas
Executive Director, McCain Institute
David E. Hoffman
Journalist, Editorial Board, Washington Post
Adam Keith
Director for Accountability, Human Rights First
Damon Wilson
President and CEO, National Endowment for Democracy
Additional speakers to be confirmed.