Press release

Foreign Office concerned at conviction of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny

The re-trial concluded by finding Alexei Navalny guilty and re-imposing his original five year sentence.

On 8 February 2017 a Russian court convicted Russian opposition politician, Alexei Navalny, on charges of embezzlement. The original case in 2013 was re-run after the European Court of Human Rights said Alexei Navalny was denied a fair trial.

An FCO Spokesperson said:

We are concerned at the conviction handed down to Russian opposition politician, Alexei Navalny. The judgement once again raises questions about the selective application of the rule of law in Russia. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the same charges in 2013 were politically motivated.

The conviction of Mr Navalny reflects a worrying trend in Russia where the space for public debate and legitimate opposition is shrinking ever further, and where political activists and civil society are facing increasing pressure. The UK urges Russia to uphold the principles of democracy and support political pluralism.

Further information

Media enquiries

For journalists

Published 9 February 2017