43 countries demand probe into Alexei Navalny's death, blame Russia
9:15 AM EST, March 5, 2024
Forty-three countries are calling for the initiation of an independent international investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, according to Lotte Knudsen, the European Union Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The signatories of the request have pointed out the detention of hundreds by the Russian regime and are demanding accountability from Russian authorities. They also highlight Navalny's significant contributions to democracy and the rule of law.
People worldwide have come together to honor Alexei Navalny’s memory. In response, Russian authorities detained hundreds in an attempt to silence this commemoration. Political leaders and Russian officials must be held accountable. Navalny's bravery, his sacrifices, and his steadfast dedication to justice, freedom, and democracy will always be remembered.
The call for an investigation was announced by Lotte Knudsen, the EU Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council, during a council meeting. She emphasized the necessity of an independent international investigation to scrutinize the circumstances of Navalny's death.
Lotte Knudsen has expressed outrage over Navalny's death, holding Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian authorities responsible. "Russia must permit independent investigators to probe his abrupt demise. This request stems from evidence of systematic human rights abuses and the suppression of political dissent in Russia," Knudsen remarked, as cited by the website gazeta.pl.
On Friday, February 16, the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service reported Navalny's sudden death in a penal colony north of the Arctic Circle, in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. They claimed the opposition figure became sick after a walk, losing consciousness almost immediately. Despite calling an ambulance and efforts at resuscitation, Navalny passed away, as per prison service statements.
Navalny's body was withheld from his family for nine days. His mother, Ludmila Navalnaya, faced blackmail, forcing her into silence about her son's funeral under threats of having him buried on the penal colony's premises.
