In his first interview since being released from Russian imprisonment, opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza has spoken candidly about his harrowing experience and his hopes for the future.
Several Poisoning Attempts
After spending over two years in prison, Kara-Murza, who also holds British citizenship, had resigned himself to a grim fate, according to Ziare.
Diagnosed with severe health issues exacerbated by poisoning attempts by the FSB, he faced a prognosis of just a year to a year and a half left to live, according to prison doctors.
Kara-Murza, sentenced to 25 years in prison for treason in 2022 due to his outspoken criticism of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, described his mental state upon release. “I was absolutely sure I would die in Putin’s prison,” he told the BBC, reflecting on the dire conditions and his deteriorated health after surviving two poisoning attempts.
Turn a Bild Eye to Government Abuse
Upon arriving in Germany, Kara-Murza used his platform to urge for more targeted sanctions against Russia. He stressed the shared responsibility between the Russian populace, who often turn a blind eye to government abuses, and Western nations that continued to engage with Putin despite knowing his true nature.
“The responsibility for what the Putin regime is doing is shared by Russian society, much of which chooses to ignore abuses and repression. But we must also remember the responsibility of Western countries that did business with Putin, even knowing who he is and what he represents,” Kara-Murza asserted.
The dissident, who is also a historian, expressed cautious optimism about potential democratic changes in Russia following recent military setbacks. He advocated for increased military support for Ukraine, aiming to bolster its resistance against Russian aggression.
