UN rights chief urges end to ‘repression’ of independent voices in Russia after Navalny’s death
GENEVA — The UN human rights chief on Monday called for a swift end to the “repression of independent voices” in Russia and expressed concern over the “persecution” of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison last month.
Volker Türk, in a wide-ranging speech, also deplored dozens of conflicts around the world, widespread violations of human rights law that have affected millions of people, and displacements caused by war, which could escalate in places such as the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. and Sudan.
“Rarely has humanity faced so many rapidly spiraling crises,” he told the Human Rights Council.
Referring to a few countries among the dozens of countries holding national elections this year, Türk decried “increasing restrictions” on rights defenders, journalists and “perceived critics” in India. He urged US authorities to ensure voting is universal, citing discriminatory policies that restricted freedom of expression. voting rights for people of African descent.
Ahead of the March 15-17 Russian presidential election, Türk said Russian authorities “have further intensified their repression of dissenting voices” and noted how some candidates “have been prevented from running due to alleged administrative irregularities.”
He said Navalny’s death in a Russian prison last month “increases my serious concerns about his prosecution” and noted how thousands of politicians, journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers and others have faced criminal or administrative charges for “simply” had expressed their opinions on social media.”
Türk called for a swift and comprehensive review of all cases in which people have been detained in Russia for exercising fundamental freedoms, and for “an immediate end to the suppression of independent voices and the legal professionals who represent them.”
“The future of the country depends on an open space,” he said. The March vote in Russia will almost certainly ensure that 71-year-old President Vladimir Putin will consolidate his position of power until at least 2030.
Türk spoke out against the perception of “racially motivated” police activities in some Western countries and in one of his articles called on China to revise a law on criminal procedure and the “vague offense of ‘picking fights and causing trouble’.
“I call for the release of human rights defenders, lawyers and others detained under such legislation,” he said.