In a global display of outrage, world leaders have come together to condemn the alleged “murder” of prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, demanding accountability from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The 47-year-old opposition figure died under mysterious circumstances at the ‘Polar Wolf’ penal colony in the Arctic, where he was incarcerated.
Navalny’s sudden death occurred following a video court hearing where he appeared healthy and in good spirits just a day before. Kremlin authorities claim he fell ill during a walk at the isolated penal colony, but suspicions of foul play have triggered accusations of murder.
Kremlin officials pledged to conduct an investigation into Navalny’s death, but the global community remains sceptical, pointing fingers at Putin’s regime.
“Make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death,” US President Joe Biden said in a stern statement from the White House. Biden emphasised Navalny’s unwavering commitment to truth, even while imprisoned, and Vice President Kamala Harris labelled the incident as “a sign of Putin’s brutality”.
The news of Navalny’s death prompted waves of protests across the world, with thousands gathering outside Russian embassies in London, Paris, Berlin, Helsinki, and Italy. Back in Russia, authorities responded with a crackdown, arresting over 100 people as mourners took to the streets.
Shocking images from St Petersburg depicted armed police forcefully removing individuals from vigils.
Navalny, known as Putin’s leading domestic critic, had fearlessly challenged the Russian president’s rule and vehemently opposed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Concerns among his supporters about the possibility of his assassination while incarcerated have now escalated into a global condemnation of Putin’s government.
Protesters worldwide marched on Russian diplomatic buildings, chanting slogans, and displaying signs branding Putin as a “killer”, demanding accountability for Navalny’s death. In a further deterioration of diplomatic relations, the UK Government announced it had summoned the Russian embassy to convey that it holds the Russian authorities “fully responsible”.
A Foreign Office spokesman stated that Navalny’s death must undergo a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
“Mr. Navalny was a man of great courage and iron will. Even from his prison cell, he continued to speak up for the rights of the Russian people,” the spokesman said. “His dedication to human rights and exposing corruption was an inspiration to millions. The ideals for which he stood and died will live forever.”
