Thread by @4freerussia_org

Vladimir Kara-Murza: "I do not understand the accusation, and I plead not guilty."
The trial of @vkaramurza, an opposition politician, journalist, and historian, began on March 13, 2023, in Moscow amidst tight security measures.
1/

The politician faces charges under 3 articles, including high treason, and could potentially receive a prison sentence of up to 25 years. All hearings related to the Kara-Murza case will take place behind closed doors, with journalists and diplomats being barred from the court
2/

In the first hearing, Vadim Prokhorov, Kara-Murza's lawyer, challenged Judge Sergei Podoprigorov on the basis that he was on the #Magnitsky List and therefore might not be objective. However, Mr. Kara-Murza himself had promoted this list in 2012.
3/

After deliberation, the three judges dismissed their challenge, and the hearing was closed due to an FSB forensic examination that contained classified information. Other defense motions were also dismissed without legal grounds.
4/

The state prosecutor Boris Loktionov read the indictment, stating that Vladimir Kara-Murza had discredited the government, President Vladimir Putin personally, and damaged the interests of the Russian Federation.
5/

In response, Mr. Kara-Murza pleaded not guilty and expressed confusion about the charges against him. "I do not understand how public statements of a politician can constitute the corpus delicti of any crime," he said.
6/

"I don't understand how public criticism can be classified as 'high treason.' It is incomprehensible to me how confirmed facts about crimes committed in Ukraine can be presented as 'deliberately false information,' while obvious lies can be presented as the only truth."
7/

Mr. Kara-Murza's speech was interrupted several times, with the judge requesting that he remain focused on the substance of the case without being distracted by politics. Vladimir insisted that his right to defense not be restricted.
8/

The next court session is scheduled for Thursday, March 16. "The authorities have decided to hold Kara-Murza's trial at a breakneck pace," said Vadim Prokhorov after the first session. "Unfortunately, there is no doubt about what the final verdict will be."
9/

If convicted, Vladimir Kara-Murza could face up to 25 years in prison, which is more than the maximum sentence for murder of two or more people committed with particular cruelty and in an all-hazardous manner.
10/

@mbk_center, @sarahrainsford, @AmbDanFried, @SLagodinsky, @PedroPizano, @SFRCdems, @Billbrowder, @McFaul, @NTenzer, @aliciakearns, @JohnOStapes, @DalphondPierre, @ABlinken, @cepa, @TrainFoundation, @RepCohen, @SenatorDurbin, @HRF, @humanrights1st, @hrw, @SenatorCardin
11/

@SenatorMenendez, @SenatorWicker, @DamonMacWilson, @RepJoeWilson, @SenatorRisch, @SenatorShaheen, @TheRWCHR, @RonaldReagan, @McCainInstitute
12/12