"A crucial indicator of the situation of the Rule of Law in Russia is the fact that tens of independent journalists and civil activists have been murdered - to name just a few Anna Politkovskaya, Natalya Estemirova, Sergei Magnitsky - and yet not one crime has been solved and not one murderer has been brought to justice", said Tunne Kelam MEP.

"By its unwillingness to bring about justice and transparency, the Kremlin can be seen as complicit in these crimes."

"The EU must take concrete measures to show that it is serious about the need for real improvement of the Rule of Law in Russia", said Tunne Kelam MEP.

"While economic and political contacts need to be continued, a clear signal should be sent to State officials who are considered responsible for grave breaches of law that they are not welcome in the capitals or tourist resorts of Europe", concluded Kelam. He proposes that leaders and high officials of all authoritarian regimes should be treated on an equal basis.

For further information:
Tunne KELAM MEP, Tel: +33-3-88177279
Kaja Sõrg, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-476-541013

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.