The Republic of Poland condemns the intimidation of independent researchers and representatives of civil society. The deprivation of the right to a fair trial and defence and the resultant conviction of the historian Yuri Dmitriev in the appeal trial to 13 years in a penal colony contradict the Russian Federation’s international obligations. We call on the Russian authorities to release him unconditionally and immediately.

The continued repression against independent historians will not falsify historical facts. Preserving the memory of crimes committed by a totalitarian regime is the moral duty of its heirs and, at the same time, an essential element of future reconciliation between nations.  

MFA Press Office