I am once more very disappointed by the further extension of the house arrest of internationally renowned director Kirill Serebrennikov, who has now faced house arrest for more than a year and a half. Given the accusations in this case, I consider such a length of time to be grossly disproportionate.

I have pointed on a number of occasions to the importance of this case for German Russian cultural cooperation. Particularly given the Russian Cultural Season in Germany in 2019, it would surely be good for the cultural nation of Russia if Serebrennikov were able to pursue his creative arts in freedom.

I take this opportunity to reiterate my expectation of objective, fair, rapid and transparent proceedings that leave no doubt that rule of law principles have been upheld.