WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a ranking member on the Helsinki Commission, today released the following statement in response to new charges brought by the Russian government against democracy and human rights activist Vladimir Kara-Murza:

“There is nothing Vladimir Putin hates more than when a fellow countryman shows there is a better way forward for Russia. My friend Vladimir Kara-Murza has made this cause the fight of his life.

“These latest charges against Mr. Kara-Murza are an obvious fabrication meant to distract from Putin’s brutal war crimes and deter other courageous Russians from speaking out against the Kremlin. Mr. Kara-Murza may be sitting in jail, but Vladimir Putin is the true criminal.

“As my late friend and Vladimir’s mentor Boris Nemtsov said regarding a free future in Russia, “We can do it.” I stand with Mr. Kara-Murza and salute his continued sacrifice for the Russian people.”

Kara-Murza, who was set to be released today, could now face up to 15 years in prison on charges of spreading so-called “false information” if convicted.