Brussels, 16 February 2024
“We are shocked and grieved by today’s reports about the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Our thoughts are with his wife Yulia Navalnaya, his family and with all those in Russia and beyond who believe in a democratic and peaceful future for Russia. We will honour his memory as a freedom fighter.
Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage and determination throughout his life. He bravely returned to Russia after a heinous assassination attempt. He gave hope to democrats and civil society in Russia, which is why so many people from all over the country joined his actions and listened to his messages.
Russian authorities responded to his legitimate political and anti-corruption activities with politically motivated measures, sending him to a strict-regime penal colony far away from Moscow, inaccessible for his family, friends and observers, and harassed his lawyers.
We had repeatedly called on Russia to ensure his safety and health, and raised our concern over his repeated ill-treatment, unjustified and unlawful disciplinary measures, and harassment amounting to physical and psychological torture by prison authorities.
He was slowly murdered by President Putin and his regime, who fear nothing more than dissent from their own people.
We will spare no efforts to hold the Russian political leadership and authorities to account. We demand Russian authorities to establish all facts around Navalny’s death. Russia has to immediately release all other political prisoners.”
Source – EEAS
Renew Europe: Alexei Navalny’s murder adds more blood on Putin’s hands
Author: Lucian Goleanu
The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament condemns the killing of Alexei Navalny, Kremlin’s most vocal political opponent, in a state prison in the Arctic, one month ahead of Russia’s presidential elections.
With Navalny’s passing, Putin has just added another murder to his long list of repressed political opponents, together with the hundreds of thousands of deaths caused by the war of aggression he started against Ukraine.
Awarded with the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2021 by the European Parliament, after his candidature had been put forward by our political group, Alexei Navalny, used to be described as “the man Vladimir Putin fears most”, the ultimate symbol of oppression in Russia, backed by so many ordinary citizens who fear to speak up.
The President of Renew Europe Group, Valérie Hayer, said:
“I strongly condemn the Kremlin regime, which cruelly sent Alexei Navalny to his death. With Navalny’s murder, the world has lost a freedom fighter, a man who championed the cause of a free Russia.
Poisoned and then taken prisoner by a government adept at the politics of fear, Alexeï Navalny never ceased to call on his compatriots not to allow themselves to be intimidated.
His commitment cost him his life, but his courage and his fight against Putin’s regime and its cronies will always be remembered by his people. His fight goes on!”
Source – Renew Europe
Death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny – Statements of Greens/EFA co-Presidents
16 February 2024
On the news of the passing of jailed Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, comments:
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Alexei Navalny. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who wish to see a free and democratic Russia. Navalny and his herculean work in fighting for democracy against the Russian regime were a source of inspiration and hope for all those fighting for freedom from oppression. We will never forget the bravery and fearlessness shown by Navalny and all those standing in the face of the cruelty of Putin’s Russia.”
Philippe Lamberts MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments:
“The death of Alexei Navalny marks a dark day for Russia and he will be sorely missed. Sadly, Navalny joins the long list of critics of the Russian regime who have died after standing up to the corruption and kleptocracy of Vladimir Putin. The fact that he was jailed in horrific and inhuman conditions shows the brutality and ruthlessness of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. This must solidify the resolve of the EU, US and all our allies to continue our steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s aggression.”
Source – Greens/EFA
ECR Group Statement on the death of Alexei Navalny
16 February 2024
The ECR Group expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Russian democratic opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, at this time.
ECR Co-Chairman Prof Ryszard Legutko said:
“Our deepest condolences are with the family of Alexei Navalny and the democratic opposition in Russia at this time. It is only by defeating Russia in Ukraine that any meaningful change and redemption for the Federation’s innocent victims can come to pass.”
ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said:
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Sakharov Prize laureate Alexei Navalny and we express our heartfelt condolences to his family and fellow campaigners. His struggle is a reminder to the entire international community. His fight will not be forgotten.”
ECR Foreign Affairs Coordinator Anna Fotyga said:
“Putin is a war criminal and a murderer. The death of Alexei Navalny only proves that nobody should have any doubts what to expect from KGB operatives. The only way to bring any change in Russia is defeating it in Ukraine & ensuring justice for all the victims of Putin’s regime.”
Source – ECR Group