Democracy, human rights and the detention of Alexei Navalny in Russia

That this House condemns the arrest and detention of Alexei Navalny by the Russian Federation; further condemns the reported arrest, detention and beating of thousands of protestors and journalists across Russia in the last week; notes that over 3,500 Russians have so far been detained following nationwide protests across the country according to monitors; further notes that at least 40,000 people participated in a rally in Moscow on 23 January 2021 according to Reuters estimates, with over 100,000 estimated to have taken part nationwide; expresses its solidarity and support for the protestors, journalists and the Russian people; acknowledges that widespread human rights abuses are being committed in Russia by police, security services and the state; further acknowledges that under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 a Minister may make sanctions regulations where it would provide accountability for or be a deterrent to gross violations of human rights, or otherwise promote compliance with international human rights law, or respect for human rights, or promote respect for democracy, the rule of law and good governance; calls on the Government to condemn the actions of the Russian Federation and its security apparatus in the strongest terms; further calls on the Government to use the aforementioned powers in the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 to rapidly impose sanctions on individuals responsible for ordering, conducting and aiding human rights abuses against peaceful protestors, journalists, citizens and opposition politicians in Russia; and reaffirms its support for democracy, freedom of speech and expression.