Alexei Navalny’s death termed murder as global tributes continue to pour in

The reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has prompted varied reactions worldwide, Reuters reported. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin was informed of Navalny’s death.

 Russia’s Investigative Committee initiated a procedural probe into the demise’s circumstances. 

Navalny’s aide Leonid Volkov expressed difficulty confirming the news, citing the travel of Navalny’s lawyer to the prison site. 

Ivan Zhdanov, Navalny’s deputy, emphasised the need to notify the opposition leader’s relatives within 24 hours, which had not occurred at the time of his statement.

Dmitry Muratov, a Russian newspaper editor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, labelled Navalny’s death as “murder,” attributing it to prison conditions. 

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak lamented the news, praising Navalny’s courage as a staunch advocate for Russian democracy.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne conveyed condolences, highlighting Navalny’s sacrifice in resisting an oppressive regime.

“Dreadful news about Alexei Navalny… If the report about his death in Russian prison is true it represents another terrible crime by Putin’s regime. The ruthlessness against Navalny shows again why it is necessary to continue to fight against authoritarianism.”

EU Council President Charles Michel said on X, “Alexei Navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. The EU holds the Russian regime solely responsible for this tragic death.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he was deeply saddened and disturbed by the reports of Navalny’s death. “We need to establish all the facts, and Russia needs to answer all the serious questions about the circumstances of his death,” he added.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on X that Navalny’s death “illustrates the unprecedented brutality of the Russian regime”.
“Navalny fought for democratic values and against corruption,” Rutte said. 

Dutch premier said Navalny had to pay for his struggle with life while held under the harshest and most inhumane conditions. “I wish his family, loved ones and everyone who fought with him for change in Russia much strength,” he added