Toronto (April 14, 2022) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) joins the Canadian government and human rights organizations around the world in standing against the detainment of Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza.

FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt issued the following statement:

"The unjust arrest and detainment of human rights defender and Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza is incredibly distressing. As Russia continues its war in Ukraine and senseless murder of thousands of Ukrainians, the Putin regime also continues its silencing of critics and pro-democracy voices. Just hours after courageously speaking out against the Russian government and its ‘regime of murderers,’ Kara-Murza was wrongfully arrested and sentenced to 15 days in jail. As a human rights organization dedicated to promoting democracy, freedom and justice, we join the Canadian government and human rights organizations around the world in calling for the immediate release of Vladimir Kara-Murza.”