UN Expert Condemns Russia’s Political Imprisonment of Oleg Orlov

Geneva, The UN has strongly criticized the imprisonment of Oleg Orlov, a prominent human rights defender in Russia, denouncing it as a politically motivated abuse of the legal system. Orlov, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization “Memorialâ€�, was sentenced to prison for his outspoken criticism of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, has called for the immediate release of Orlov, highlighting the severe health decline he has faced since his imprisonment. Katzarova has expressed concern over the fast-paced legal proceedings following Orlov’s appeal, suggesting a deliberate attempt to expedite his conviction without due regard for legal fairness.

Orlov, now 71, was convicted in February 2024 and has since been subjected to daily court transfers and restricted legal interactions, raising issues of legal integrity and human rights. The UN has recognized these actions as part of a broader strategy by Russian authorities to suppress dissent and manipulate judicial mechanisms against political adversaries.

The international community, alongside UN officials, has been vocal in advocating for Orlov’s release and condemning the oppressive measures against him, which are seen as part of a systematic crackdown on civil liberties in Russia. The situation calls for urgent attention to the misuse of legal norms for political ends, undermining fundamental rights and freedoms within the country.