The wife of dual British-Russian citizens jailed on treason charges says she’s “terrified” for his life but “will fight for him as long as necessary”.
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday after a Moscow court found him guilty of treason. He denies the charges.
Evgenia Kar-Murza’s wife told Sky News, “I understand what my husband fights for.”
“I’m scared for his life, and I know our children are also terrified for him, but I do understand what he is fighting for, and I will do all I can to bring awareness to what’s happening in Russia, in relation to the war in Ukraine.
“I’m doing everything I can to prove to the world that internal repression is closely linked to external aggression. They go hand-in-hand.”
From the US, Mrs Kara Murza stated that she was not surprised by the severity with which her husband had been sentenced, because he had been described by the Russian Government as “a traitor…seen (as) a personal opponent who needs to be jailed for a quarter of a decade to stop him from continuing his work”.
Mr Kara-Murza is a 41 year old father of three children and former journalist. He was also the deputy leader of People’s Freedom Party, an opposition group.
His supporters claim that he is the vice-chairman of the prodemocracy group Open Russia, and that he survived two poisoning attempts. The Russian authorities deny any involvement.
“I married an amazing man”
Ms Kara-Murza said to Sky News she “held up” after his prison sentence because “I am married to an amazing man, I knew that.”
“He has earned my respect and admiration, and I will continue to fight for him as long as necessary.
“I will fight to bring my children’s father home and I will do all I can to get him there.”
“Extreme levels of repression”
She insisted that change was possible despite the harsh treatment Russians were receiving and what happened to her husband.
“I know why my husband fights. I know that it’s important to him, and to many Russians, to see a new Russia.
“I share his convictions that this is possible, a new Russia is possible. I know he thinks we deserve it and I agree completely with him.
“A Different Russia”
It’s only that we have to work hard to make sure that this regime falls and that we get the chance to create a different Russia.
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She said: “As far as an authoritarian, totalitarian government is in place in Russia, it will continue to be a danger for itself and its neighbors.”
“The only thing that will stop Russia from being a danger to everyone is if it becomes a democratic country.” For that to happen, Putin must lose his power.”
She urged supporters to support the work of human rights activists, journalists and lawyers who represent them. “Everything must be done to weaken the Russian regime and create conditions so that the Russian people realise they can change something.”
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