WASHINGTON – This week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will convene for two press events.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Press Event
Hosting: Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.)
2:30 p.m. ET
SD-419
WHAT
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 2:30pm ET, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will host “Set Them Free: Recognizing Vladimir Kara-Murza and Prisoners of the Kremlin,” an event dedicated to advocating for those unjustly detained by Russia. The event follows the April media event that highlighted the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and other political prisoners held by the Putin regime.
Recently freed from wrongful imprisonment, Kara-Murza has become a powerful advocate for those still incarcerated. The event will celebrate Kara-Murza’s release while renewing calls for the liberation of others unjustly detained. Members of Congress, human rights advocates, and leaders from prominent international organizations will discuss the ongoing fight for justice, share updates on the plight of political prisoners, and highlight the role of Russian democracy activists in advancing human rights and democratic governance.
WHO
- Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
- Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian opposition leader and human rights advocate
- Evgenia Kara-Murza, human rights advocate
- Damon Wilson, President and CEO, National Endowment for Democracy
- Natalia Arno, President of the Free Russia Foundation
- Bipartisan Group of Members of Congress
WHEN
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
2:30pm – 3:30pm ET
WHERE
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing Room
SD-419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Press Event
Hosting: Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.)
3:00 p.m. ET
SD-419
WHAT
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 3:00pm ET, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will host “Honoring Jimmy Lai: A Stand for Democracy and Press Freedom in Hong Kong,” an event to celebrate Jimmy Lai’s commitment to democracy, demand his release and the release of other political prisoners in Hong Kong, and elevate the global call for press freedom, free speech, and human rights.
Sebastien Lai, Jimmy’s son, will be joined by members of Congress, human rights advocates, and NGO leaders to shine a light on the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities’ escalating assault on fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of the press, expression, and assembly. As part of this event, a series of video messages from human rights defenders, journalists, and activists will also be showcased. These messages will express solidarity with those like Jimmy Lai and the Hong Kong 47 – individuals who have been unjustly persecuted for their role in defending democracy – while emphasizing the vital connection between free speech, press freedom, and democracy.
WHO
- Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
- Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai
- Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11)
- Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive Officer, Committee to Protect Journalists
- Mark L. Clifford, President, Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation
- Anna Kwok, Executive Director, Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC)
- Bipartisan Group of Members of Congress
- Nonprofit and human rights advocates
WHEN
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
WHERE
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing Room
SD-419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.
MEDIA
Reporters and media outlets must RSVP with Eric Harris and receive confirmation to attend this event or receive a livestream link.
