CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Mr. Chair,
Norway is deeply disturbed by the harsh sentencing of the Karelia historian and Memorial leader Yuri Dmitriev. The prosecution of Mr. Dmitriev appears to be connected with his human rights work and historical research.
That Mr. Dmitriev’s sentencing was increased from 3 ½ to 13 years in prison by a court where his lawyer was unable to attend due to Covid-related isolation, raises serious procedural and human rights concerns.
Mr. Dmitriev is in poor health and we call for his immediate release.
Thank you