UN calls for end of <x0 impression” of independent voices in Russia

Volker Turk also spoke of dozens of conflicts around the world, of widespread violations of human rights laws affecting millions of people, and of population displacement because of war. The situation, he said, could escalate to countries like the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and Sudan.

The “very rarely humanity has faced so many spiral crises”, he said before the UN Human Rights Council.

Speaking of the presidential elections to be held in Russia from 15 March to 17 March, Turk said Russian authorities “have intensified even more pressure on the controversial” voices, citing the case of how some candidates “who have been banned from participating in the race due to claims of administrative irregularities”.

He said Navalny's death in a Russian prison “raises my serious concerns about his persecution”, citing how thousands of politicians, journalists, human rights advocates, lawyers and others face criminal or administrative charges “just because they have expressed their opinion on social networks”.

The UN commissioner called for quick and comprehensive review of all cases of people in Russia who have been arrested because they have exercised their fundamental rights and <x0-> the immediate end of printing independent voices and legal professions they represent”.

The future of the state depends on creating a” space, he said.

The March presidential election is expected to be won by current Russian President Vladimir Putin, giving him a term in power by at least 2030. /rel