Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had been informed of Navalny’s death. (document)
Here’s a look at the reactions inside and outside Russia to the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was serving a prison sentence in the Yamal-Nenets region, the prison service reported on Friday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov
Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had been informed of Navalny’s death.
russian investigative committee
The commission said it had launched a procedural investigation into the death.
Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta quoted Navalny’s mother Lyudmila Navalnaya as saying on Facebook
“I don’t want to hear any condolences. We saw him at a meeting in prison on February 12. He was alive, healthy and happy.”
Navy Adjutant LEONID VOLKOV, ON X
Volkov said he could not confirm Navalny’s death, adding that Navalny’s lawyers were traveling to the prison where the opposition leader was serving his sentence.
Navy Deputy IVAN ZHDANOV, ON X
Zhdanov said Navalny’s relatives should be notified within 24 hours, but no notification has been made yet.
Russian newspaper editor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov
In an interview with Reuters, Muratov called the death a “murder” and said he believed prison conditions contributed to Navalny’s death.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks in Munich
“First and foremost, if these reports are true, our hearts go out to his wife and family. Beyond that, his death in a Russian prison and the obsession and fear that surrounds a man only underscores the Weakness and rot at the heart of the country.” Russia is responsible for the system that Putin has built.
“We will be talking to many other countries that are concerned about Alexei Navalny, especially if these reports are proven to be true.”
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan interviewed by NPR
“If confirmed, it would be a terrible tragedy. Given the Russian government’s long and sordid history of harming its opponents, it raises real and obvious questions about what happened here.”
Once more details are confirmed and known, “we will determine what happens next based on that.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Barbock (ON X)
“Unlike anyone else, Alexei Navalny was a symbol of a liberal and democratic Russia. That is why he had to die.”
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner, ON X
“Alexei Navalny fought for a democratic Russia. To do that, Putin tortured him to death.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Ontario
“This is terrible news. As Russia’s most staunch advocate of democracy, Alexei Navalny has shown incredible courage throughout his life.”
STEPHANE SEJOURNE, French Foreign Minister, ON X
“Alexei Navalny paid with his life fighting against an oppressive system. His death in a penal colony reminds us of the reality of Vladimir Putin’s regime. France expresses its condolences to his family, loved ones and the Russian people. “
Swedish Prime Minister ULF KRISTERSSON talks about X:
“Terrible news about Alexei Navalny. My heart goes out to his family and friends. The Russian authorities and President Putin are personally responsible for the death of Alexei Navalny.”
EU Council President Charles Michel, ON X
“Alexey Navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. The EU holds the Russian regime fully responsible for this tragic death.”
Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, ON X
“Deeply disturbed and saddened by the news of Alexei Navalny’s death. Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people. This is a harsh reminder of the true nature of Putin and his regime. Let us unite to defend fight for the freedom and security of the people.” Those who dare to resist tyranny. “
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
said he was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by reports of Navalny’s death. “We need to get all the facts out and Russia needs to answer all serious questions about the circumstances of his death.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, ON X
Navalny’s death “illustrates the unprecedented brutality of the Russian regime. Navalny fought for democratic values and against corruption. He was imprisoned in the harshest and most inhumane conditions and must pay the price for his fight with death. I wish him all the best.” His family, loved ones and friends are a source of strength to everyone who fought with him for change in Russia.”
Alexander de Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, ON X
“His tragic death once again highlights why we will continue to support Ukraine. Russia will not prevail in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with Navalny’s family and friends and all brave Russian political prisoners.”
EDGARS RINKEVICS, President of Latvia, ON X
“No matter what you think about politician Alexei Navalny, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. This is a fact and people should understand the true nature of the current regime in Russia. My condolences to his family and friends. “
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavski
“It remains the case that just as Russia treats its foreign policy, it treats its citizens. It has turned into a violent state that kills those who dream of a better future, like Nemtsov or now Navalny – Imprisoned and tortured to death for standing up. Putin. Rest in peace.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
