Vilnius, Lithuania, 16th May 2024 – The Platform’s Council of Members proudly awarded Vladimir Kara-Murza the 2024 Prize of the Platform. The Prize is bestowed upon Kara-Murza in recognition of his unparalleled courage and unwavering dedication to advocating human rights and fundamental democratic values in Russia. Throughout his tireless efforts, he has demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment, serving as an inspiring beacon of hope for those striving for freedom and justice in Russia.
Photo by Jindřich Nosek (NoJin) (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Vladimir Kara-Murza’s bio
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a 41-year-old dual Russian-British national and outspoken anti-Putin activist, has been sentenced to 25 years in a Siberian prison camp under harsh conditions. This sentence, the longest currently served by any political prisoner in Russia, surpasses the maximum sentences for crimes such as rape resulting in death, kidnapping, terrorism, and aggravated assault and robbery.
Born in Moscow in 1981 and educated in England, Kara-Murza has been a prominent figure in the fight for human rights in Russia. In 2005, he produced the documentary “They Chose Freedom,” which chronicled the lives of Soviet dissidents. As a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin’s regime, he has worked closely with American writer Bill Browder and Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was assassinated in Moscow in 2015. Kara-Murza himself survived two poisoning attempts, believed to be orchestrated by Russian security services, in 2015 and 2017.
Kara-Murza’s activism played a crucial role in the passage of the Magnitsky Act, legislation that freezes the assets and bans the visas of Russian human rights violators. Enacted in the United States, Canada, the U.K., and 32 other countries since 2012, the Magnitsky Act represents a significant achievement in the global fight for justice for Sergei Magnitsky, who was brutally murdered for exposing corruption within the Russian government.
Despite the grave risks, Kara-Murza continued his advocacy, travelling the world to testify before numerous parliaments and the U.S. Congress. His relentless efforts to expose and oppose Putin’s regime ultimately led to his arrest in 2022 for ‘disobeying police orders’. He was later indicted for ‘spreading false information about the Russian military’ and for cooperating with ‘undesirable foreign organizations’. On April 17, 2023, he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Kara-Murza’s sentence is a stark reminder of the severe repression faced by political dissidents in Russia. We call on the international community, including the EU and NATO, to advocate for his immediate release. The journalist community also has a vital role to play in highlighting his plight and putting pressure on the Russian authorities.
As an organization dedicated to promoting freedom and anti-totalitarian ideals, we stand in solidarity with Vladimir Kara-Murza and urge for justice and human rights to prevail.
About the Prize of the Platform of European Memory and Conscience
The Platform Prize is awarded annually to individuals or institutions who are at the forefront of the fight against totalitarianism or authoritarianism, championing the ideals of democracy, fundamental human rights, freedoms, and the rule of law. This prestigious honour is bestowed upon those who demonstrate exceptional courage and dedication in their advocacy for justice and freedom in the face of adversity. The Platform Prize aims to support its laureates in their struggle, providing assistance to protect them from persecution and amplifying their cause through international publicity. By honouring these courageous individuals and organizations, the Platform Prize seeks to inspire others to join the fight for a more just, democratic, and free society.