Russia – Sentencing of Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza (Apr. 17, 2023)

France is appalled by the 25-year prison sentence handed down to the Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, which constitutes another illustration of the Russian authorities’ campaign of repression against critics of the government and its war of aggression against Ukraine. France is troubled by the manipulation of the Russian judicial system, which has become a tool of oppression for the Kremlin.

Furthermore, France is concerned about the deterioration of Mr. Kara-Murza’s health caused by his abysmal detention conditions.

France calls on Russia to comply with international human rights law, release the political prisoners, and drop the charges against them. We salute the courage of the men and women –
Vladimir Kara-Murza and Aleksei Navalny, among many others – who defend freedom of speech and freedom of opinion, despite the risks that this entails.

Sudan – Clashes in Khartoum between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (Apr. 17, 2023)

France reiterates its grave concern regarding the ongoing clashes in Sudan, which began on April 15 and have left close to 100 civilians and several aid workers dead. France is monitoring the situation very closely, especially with regard to our citizens’ safety, which the French embassy and the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs are working to protect.

France once again calls on the commanding officers of the army and the Rapid Support Forces to stop fighting; agree to a truce in order to ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers; allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access; and work on de-escalating the conflict in order to reach a lasting ceasefire.

France expresses its support for the mobilization of Sudan’s regional and international partners in an effort to put an end to the crisis. It is only by returning to an inclusive political process that leads to the appointment of a civilian transition government and general elections that a lasting solution to this crisis can be found.