05/02/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 5 February, the Chairperson of the European Parliament delegation to the EU-Russia parliamentary cooperation committee, Othmar Karas (EPP, Austria), called for an end to the repression of political opposition and human rights activists in Russia, in the context of the presidential elections on 18 March. In a press release, Mr Karas denounced the fact that, “The closer presidential elections of 18 March 2018 get, the more the Russian authorities repress critical voices of the opposition and human rights defenders in the country. Russia is entering in an increasingly negative trend in the run-up to presidential elections”. He therefore called on the Russian authorities to turn the situation around, “by confirming the fundamental freedoms they are committed to”. He also expressed his support for those fighting to ensure respect for human rights and the freedoms of expression, association and assembly. (CG)