Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste and welcome his response. It is also important we point out that, in February 2021, the European Court of Human Rights directed that Mr. Navalny should be released immediately. Of course, that direction was completely ignored by President Putin and the Russian regime.

It is important we keep highlighting the continued detention of individuals in Russia who are detained simply because of their political beliefs. Many of us with an interest in history look back at the Stalinist period and wonder how that happened and what the West did in response. Part of the defence people put forward is that they were not aware of the extent of the Stalinist crimes at the time, but we are fully aware of the type of regime that is being operated by President Putin. Although Ireland has a limited and small voice, it is extremely important we continue to express that voice and our opinion in opposition to the detention of people for their political opinions.

Sometimes, we take for granted the freedom we have in this country to express our political opinions. Other people in other countries would give their left arms for that. It is important the Tánaiste continues to express the concern this country has over human rights treatment in Russia.

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