Rishi Sunak has voiced his outrage at an “unjustifiable” Russian court decision to reject an appeal from a Kremlin critic against his 25 year prison sentence for treason.

The Prime Minister said Vladimir Kara-Murza should be released immediately as he highlighted a report from BBC Moscow correspondent Steve Rosenberg about the case.

The PM took to Twitter after learning of the verdict and wrote: “This is desperate and unfounded. Rejecting @vkaramurza’s appeal is unjustifiable. He should be released immediately.

“The United Kingdom stands with him and his family.”

Mr Sunak’s remarks came as the UK Government said it has sanctioned six individuals, including two Moscow city court judges, for their involvement in the conviction of Mr Kara-Murza.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The rejection of Vladimir Kara-Murza’s appeal following his sentencing on bogus charges highlights the depravity of the Russian regime and their complete disregard for human rights and freedom of expression.

“Today we’ve sanctioned six people connected with his case, sending a clear message that the UK will not stand for this treatment of one of its citizens.”

Mr Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in prison in April after he had been convicted of high treason by a Moscow court.

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