**Europeans Call for Release of Political Detainees in Russia** As many Nigerians know, freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right we cherish dearly. Unfortunately, this right is not universally respected, particularly in Russia, where the authorities have been accused of detaining over 1,800 individuals for their political views. In a recent joint statement, 16 European countries have urged the Russian government to release these political prisoners and respect human rights. The countries involved, including the UK, France, Germany, and Canada, among others, condemned Russia's "continued repression" and called for a thorough investigation into the death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader who died mysteriously in custody. The European countries are not alone in their concerns – the United Nations has also expressed worries about Russia's treatment of political prisoners, including allegations of torture, inadequate medical treatment, and forced psychiatric detention. The joint statement highlights the Kremlin's increasing use of national security legislation to target human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and doctors. This is a worrying trend that undermines the rule of law and democracy in Russia. The European countries are urging Russia to comply with its international obligations and release all political prisoners. In Nigeria, we have our own experience with human rights abuses and detention of opposition figures. The recent joint statement by European countries is a reminder that the struggle for human rights and democracy is a global one, and that we must stand together to promote these values. As the statement says, "the repression inside Russia enables its aggression abroad." By calling for the release of political prisoners, the European countries are not only promoting human rights but also contributing to regional security and stability. In conclusion, the joint statement by European countries is a timely reminder of the importance of protecting human rights and democracy. We hope that Russia will take these concerns seriously and release all political prisoners, including the Ukrainian nationals who are being held arbitrarily. As Nigerians, we can learn from this experience and continue to push for greater respect for human rights and the rule of law in our own country.