The death of steadfast Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in a Siberian prison camp has sparked international horror. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg calls for a “full, independent investigation into the circumstances of his death.” Other reactions are much more intense. The Latvian president said Navalny was “brutally murdered by the Kremlin.”
Navalny was a “champion of a more open and democratic Russia,” Schallenberg said. However, unlike other international politicians, he avoided explicitly blaming the Kremlin in a statement. “With Alexei Navalny, Russia loses a fearless and courageous voice in the fight against corruption and a champion of a more open and democratic Russia,” Schallenberg said.
Van der Bellen: “murderous regime”
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen found clearer and more critical words. He described Putin’s government as a “murderous regime” responsible for Navalny’s death. For NEOS boss Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Putin has succeeded in ‘murder in installments’.
“His death so close to the elections reminds us once again how unfree and undemocratic Russia is under Putin’s leadership. I call for a full, independent investigation into the circumstances of his death. My deepest condolences go out to his family and his colleagues.”
Latvian President: “Brutally murdered by the Kremlin”
The reaction of EU Council President Charles Michel was also sharp: he praised the deceased as a “fighter for the values of freedom and democracy”. The opposition leader’s death in prison “reminds us of the reality of Vladimir Putin’s regime,” French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné said. Opposition to Putin’s oppressive regime cost Navalny his life.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said Navalny was “brutally murdered by the Kremlin.” For President Volodymyr Zelensky, it is “clear that Navalny was murdered by Putin,” he said during a visit to Berlin. “Putin doesn’t care who dies. All he cares about is retaining power,” Zelensky said.
Foreign politicians: “Black day”, Navalny is a “hero”
German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger described the death as a “crime.” By “opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin and fighting for freedom and human rights, Navalny has shown great courage,” the FDP politician said on the online service X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. “He had to pay for that with his life. Today is a black day. My thoughts are with his family.”
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach called Navalny a “hero.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he was “deeply saddened and concerned” and called for comprehensive clarification.
Russian journalist: “Putin in a good mood”
Russia expert Gerhard Mangott also does not assume a natural cause of death. “A cruel crime by the Russian state,” he further wrote
Navalny is internationally recognized as a political prisoner. The US, EU and Austria had repeatedly called for the immediate release of the opposition politician. However, Russia rejected this as interference in its internal affairs. The Kremlin also said it could not be concerned about the fate of prisoners in Russia.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
