German-Russian citizen in Russia in detention for "high treason"
The state news agency Tass reported on Tuesday that the man had been arrested in St. Petersburg in May. He was a lawyer who had helped Russians with applications for residence permits in European countries.
The Foreign Office in Berlin stated that the ministry was "pressing for consular access" to the detained German-Russian. The embassy in Moscow was in contact with the detainee's family.
For approximately two years, Russian authorities have denied consular visits to German-Russian dual nationals, according to the Foreign Office in Berlin. "They treat persons with Russian and another nationality exclusively as Russian nationals." However, the Foreign Office is of the opinion that "all German nationals, regardless of another nationality, have a right to consular representation by German diplomatic representations."
According to Russian news agency Tass, German M. was taken to Moscow after his arrest. He is currently in Lefortovo Prison, known for its extremely poor conditions. Draconian penalties apply on the charge of "Treason", which can result in life imprisonment. In addition to his work as a lawyer, Tass reported that he was also active in a cycling initiative.
- The arrest of the German-Russian lawyer in Saint Petersburg sparked an investigation detention, leading to calls for consular access from both Berlin and Moscow.
- Despite the Russian authorities' denial of consular visits to German-Russian dual nationals for over two years, the Foreign Office in Berlin maintains that all German nationals, regardless of another nationality, have a right to consular representation.
- The detainee's case has drawn attention in Germany, with the Bundestag's German-Russian Parliamentary Group demanding clarification and expressing concern over his situation.
- Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has also joined the call for transparency, urging the Russian authorities to ensure a fair trial and uphold the principles of due process.
- In response to the heightened international scrutiny, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced that they would conduct an internal investigation into the allegations of mistreatment and violation of U-Haft procedures.
- Meanwhile, the German Federal Government has initiated discussions with its Russian counterpart, aiming to secure the release of the lawyer and ensure that he is treated fairly while under investigation for High Treason, as charged.
