Global call for probe into Alexei Navalny's death amid Russian crackdown
Those endorsing the request have drawn attention to the hundreds detained by the Russian regime and are demanding that Russian authorities be held to account. They also highlight Alexei Navalny's significant dedication to democracy and the rule of law.
Around the globe, tributes were paid to Navalny's memory. In attempts to prevent this, the Russian government detained hundreds of individuals. Political leaders and the Russian authorities must face consequences. Navalny's bravery, his sacrifice, and his steadfast commitment to justice, freedom, and democracy will be eternally remembered.
This call was made by Lotte Knudsen, the European Union Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council, during a council session. She spoke of the need for an independent international probe into the death of the Russian opposition leader.
- We are appalled by the death of the Russian opposition figure, for which Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian authorities are accountable. Russia must permit independent investigators to explore the cause of his abrupt death. This stands as proof of systemic human rights violations in Russia and the repression of political rivals of the Kremlin - stated Lotte Knudsen, as quoted by the website gazeta.pl.
On Friday, February 16, the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service announced Navalny's sudden death at a penal colony north of the Arctic Circle in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. According to Russian reports, Navalny "became sick after a walk and almost immediately lost consciousness". Despite calling an ambulance and attempting resuscitation, prison services stated Navalny died.
For nine days, his remains were withheld from his family. Navalny's mother, Ludmila Navalnaya, faced coercion to keep her son's funeral a secret and received threats of him being buried within the penal colony.
