Theodoros Rousopoulos, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), made the following statement today: “I strongly condemn the decision of the Russian authorities to open criminal proceedings against leading figures of the Russian democratic forces, including members of the Anti-War Committee of Russia. Accusing peaceful opponents of ‘terrorism’ and plotting to seize power is a grotesque distortion of reality and a deliberate act of political repression”. President Rousopoulos continued: “These charges are a direct response to the creation of, and an attack on, the Platform for Dialogue with Russian Democratic Forces in Exile, established by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to promote peaceful, democratic dialogue about Russia’s future and help achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, while ensuring accountability for international crimes committed by Russian actors. The Platform is grounded entirely in the Council of Europe’s principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and represents a space for non-violent co-operation”. “This latest move by Putin’s regime exposes its fear of free voices and its determination to criminalise democratic thought. I call on all governments and international organisations to reject these absurd accusations, refuse any co-operation with the Russian authorities in these cases, and ensure the protection of those courageous Russians who continue to defend truth, justice, and peace”.