Sixteen European countries have urged Russia to release nearly 1,800 alleged political prisoners, condemning repression and demanding accountability over Alexei Navalny’s death at the OSCE.
European Countries Press Russia Over Alleged 1,800 Political Detainees
A coalition of 16 European nations has called on Russia to immediately release individuals described as political prisoners, stating that nearly 1,800 people are currently being detained for politically motivated reasons.
The appeal was delivered during a session of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), where the countries voiced concern over what they described as an ongoing crackdown on dissent inside Russia.
The joint declaration coincided with the second anniversary of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, renewing international scrutiny of Moscow’s human rights record.
Countries Behind the Joint OSCE Statement
The statement was backed by the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Sweden
- Czech Republic
- United Kingdom
Speaking on behalf of the group, Czech Republic’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Jan Marian, extended condolences to Navalny’s family and stated that Russian authorities bear full responsibility for the circumstances surrounding his death.
European Court Ruling Cited in Navalny Case
The coalition referenced a February 3 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which found Russia responsible for subjecting Navalny to inhumane and degrading treatment during his imprisonment.
The countries also reiterated their demand for a credible and transparent international investigation into the opposition figure’s death. This follows independent inquiries reportedly initiated by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Allegations of Expanding Repression in Russia
In their address, the nations accused the Kremlin of intensifying its crackdown on civil society by broadening the use of national security laws. According to the statement, these laws have been increasingly applied against:
- Human rights advocates
- Journalists
- Legal professionals
- Medical practitioners
- Political activists
The joint declaration further referenced findings from a United Nations Special Rapporteur, who documented claims that political detainees in Russia have faced torture, denial of medical care, and forced psychiatric confinement.
Growing International Pressure on Moscow
The latest diplomatic move adds to mounting international criticism over Russia’s internal human rights situation. The coordinated stance at the OSCE signals a unified Western push for accountability, transparency, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
As pressure builds, attention remains focused on whether Moscow will respond to the calls for reform or continue to dismiss international concerns over its treatment of political opponents.
In a strongly worded statement, the Kremlin was accused of broadening its range of suppressive measures and weaponizing national security laws against members of civil society. Human rights advocates, journalists, attorneys, medical professionals, and other independent voices are reportedly being singled out under these policies.
The statement referenced conclusions from a United Nations Special Rapporteur, which detail allegations that political detainees are subjected to mistreatment, deprived of proper medical care, and, in some instances, confined to psychiatric institutions against their will.
It also pointed to data from the independent monitoring group OVD-Info, which indicates that more than 1,700 individuals are currently imprisoned in Russia for politically motivated reasons, including detainees from Ukraine.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for Russian human rights defenders and independent civic organizations that continue their efforts despite mounting personal danger.
According to the statement, domestic repression within Russia is closely linked to its actions beyond its borders. The countries urged Russian authorities to honor their international commitments and to immediately free all individuals held for political reasons.