We are concerned by the news that the five-year suspended sentence handed down to the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2013 was confirmed today. The European Court of Human Rights described the 2013 conviction as politically motivated and criticised the arbitrary interpretation of Russia’s penal laws.

With regard to these proceedings, too, doubts remain as to whether the right to a fair trial in line with the European Convention on Human Rights was ensured. In this connection, the German Government reminds Russia of its obligation to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Alexei Navalny must have the opportunity to remain politically active in Russia.