World leaders react to studies of Putin critic Navalny’s loss of life

World leaders on Friday reacted with dismay and suspicion to studies of the death of prominent Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a Siberian penal colony.

Russian media reported, citing the jail service of the Yamalo-Nenets area the place Navalny had been serving a prolonged sentence on what had been broadly thought-about to be politically motivated fees, that he had fallen sick and collapsed after a stroll.

Navalny’s group mentioned that they had but to obtain affirmation of the loss of life and questioned the veracity of the announcement.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris instructed the Munich Safety Convention on Friday that Washington was working to verify the “terrible” information.

“Whatever story they tell, let us be clear, Russia is responsible, and we will have more to say on this later,” she added.

Russia’s International Ministry mentioned the response to Navalny’s reported loss of life from Western leaders is “self-exposing” at a time when no forensic medical examination is but obtainable.

NATO Secretary Basic Jens Stoltenberg mentioned he was “deeply saddened and concerned” concerning the studies of Navalny’s demise.

“All the facts have to be established and Russia has serious questions to answer,” he instructed reporters.

“Alexei Navalny has been a strong voice for freedom, for democracy, for many years, and NATO and NATO allies have called for his immediate release for a long time.”

The Kremin critic appeared in court docket through videolink earlier within the week, seemingly in good well being and spirits regardless of the notoriously brutal circumstances of the penal colony through which the 47-year-old was being held on a 19-year sentence.

But Russian information company Interfax reported on Friday that he “felt unwell after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness.”

European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned she was “deeply disturbed and saddened” by information of his loss of life.

“Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people. A grim reminder of what Putin and his regime are all about. Let’s unite in our fight to safeguard the freedom and safety of those who dare to stand up against autocracy,” von der Leyen mentioned.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned if confirmed, Navalny’s loss of life underscores the “weakness and rot” of the Russian political system constructed by President Vladimir Putin, and laid the blame squarely on the door of the Kremlin.

“We’ll be talking to the many other countries concerned about Alexei Navalny, especially if these reports bear out to be true.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned in a put up on social media platform X that “as the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life.”

“My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy,” he added.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz mentioned he was “deeply saddened” by the information and that if confirmed, Navalny’s loss of life was a “terrible” signal of how Russia had modified as a rustic in recent times.

Navalny “stood up for democracy and freedom in Russia – and apparently paid for his courage with his life. This terrible news shows once again how Russia has changed and what kind of regime is in power in Moscow,” he mentioned in a put up on X.

French International Minister Stéphane Séjourné mentioned on social media that Navalny had “paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression,” in keeping with a translation.

“His death in a penal colony reminds us of the reality of Vladimir Putin’s regime,” he added. “To his family, his loved ones and the Russian people, France offers its condolences.”

Swedish International Minister Tobias Billstrom mentioned the announcement was “dreadful news,” including that “the ruthlessness against Navalny shows again why it is necessary to continue to fight against authoritarianism.”

Russia: NATO accusations ‘self-exposing’

Seven members of the Russian authorities had been sanctioned by the U.S. in early 2021 for what has been independently confirmed because the poisoning of Navalny with a Novichok nerve agent in August 2020.

Navalny narrowly survived and was transported to Germany, however was arrested in January 2021 shortly after arriving again in Russia, sparking worldwide outcry.

In response, Russian International Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova mentioned through X that “the instant reaction of NATO leaders to the news of Alexey Navalny’s demise in the form of direct accusations vs Russia is self-exposing.”

She added, “No forensic medical examination data IS available, yet the West has already voiced its ‘conclusions’.”