European nations demand release of 1,800 Russian political prisoners

16 European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, demanded the release of nearly 1,800 political prisoners in Russia during a joint statement to the OSCE. The demand follows the 2nd anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death and cites continued repression by Russian authorities. The statement referenced UN findings of torture and forced psychiatric detention of political prisoners, citing independent monitor OVD-Info's report of over 1,700 detainees. The nations condemned Russia's use of national security laws to target human rights defenders and journalists, calling for full compliance with international obligations.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/26/european-nations-demand-release-of-political-prisoners-in-russia/