Congressman Cohen Expresses Alarm at Russia’s Arrest of Journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, today expressed outrage at the arrest of Russian opposition leader and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza who testified March 29 before the commission at a hearing on "Propaganda and Censorship in Russia: Putin's War on Truth."

Co-Chairman Cohen made the following statement:

"Vladimir Kara-Murza is dedicated to the future of his country and speaks out about the Putin regime. In his testimony before the Helsinki Commission less than two weeks ago, he was honest, direct, straight and probably provocative but that was because he was telling truths Putin cannot let the Russian people hear. His arrest is an outrage.

"I have been telling Mr. Kara-Murza for at least two years, and as recently as March 29, that he should not return to Russia because he would be placing his freedom, and potentially his life, in jeopardy. Others, such as Bill Browder and Mikhail Khodorkovsky, have given him the same advice. But as a Russian he can't give up on his home, even though he has twice been poisoned, and wanted to return to his homeland.

"I urge the international community to closely monitor this matter and demand that Mr. Kara-Murza be released."

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