WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., reunited today with Vladimir Kara-Murza at the U.S. Capitol.

Kara-Murza, a permanent resident of the United States, was released last month as part of the historic prisoner exchange with Russia. He was arrested by Russia in April 2022 for condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine and speaking out against Vladimir Putin.

“Vladimir Kara-Murza has been a good friend of mine for years, and I am so glad he is home. He has been a constant advocate for free speech, and welcoming him to the Capitol today, the heart of our democracy, made it even more special. I am thinking of those who have died, including Nemtsov, Navalny, Magnitsky, and many others who will never be reunited with their families, friends, and loved ones. There are many still wrongfully held by Russia. Vladimir will not stop calling for their release, and I will join him in using my voice to help bring them home,” Senator Wicker said.

At today’s event, Senator Wicker joined Senator Cardin, D-Md., and other colleagues in welcoming Kara-Murza back to the United States and highlighting the work that remains to free those who are still wrongfully detained in Russia.

Previously, Senator Wicker led lawmakers in requests calling for the Biden administration to label Kara-Murza as “unlawfully and wrongfully detained.” The designation would have prioritized Kara-Murza’s case at the State Department and unlocked new tools for negotiators to expedite his release.