Russia – France denounces the sentencing of director Evgenia Berkovitch and playwright Svetlana Petrichuk (9 July 2024)

France vigorously denounces the stepped-up repression by the Russian regime, illustrated yet again by the sentencing of director Evgenia Berkovitch and playwright Svetlana Petrichuk to six years in a penal colony for “justifying terrorism”.

France applauds the courage of those who have dared to raise their voices in support of the artists. We stand by all those in Russia who are continuing to risk their freedom and sometimes their lives to fight for their rights and liberties.

We remind Russia of its obligations under international law, including the respect of fundamental rights and liberties, and we urge Russia to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.