The Lantos Foundation supports the request for an urgent medical evacuation of Russian political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. Kara-Murza fell suddenly ill on May 27th and remains unconscious. It is widely suspected that he may have been a victim of poisoning.

Kara Murza has been a longtime member of Russia’s political opposition and it is believed he may have been targeted for attack following the release of a documentary film by Open Russia, a Russian civil society organization where Kara-Murza works as the coordinator. The film details allegations of rampant corruption and human rights abuses by the government of Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov.

Mr. Kara-Murza’s wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, issued the following statement asking for her husband’s evacuation;

“My husband Vladimir Kara-Murza suddenly fell ill on May 27, 2015, and was hospitalized in Moscow with symptoms of poisoning. In order to get an independent medical assessment of his condition I have requested an urgent medical evacuation to a medical center in Europe or Israel where full toxicology testing and treatment can be done. “

Lantos Foundation President, Katrina Lantos Swett, said;

“It is vital that Vladimir Kara-Murza be immediately evacuated to an appropriate medical facility where he can receive emergency treatment and where an independent evaluation of the circumstances leading to his mysterious collapse can be conducted. Far too many courageous political activists have lost their lives under suspicious circumstances in Russia. This brave man must not become the latest victim in an increasingly dangerous political environment. We call upon the Russian government to honor the request of Mr. Kara-Murza’s wife for his prompt evacuation to a medical facility in Europe.”