Ivan Zhdanov, Alexei Navalny's deputy, stressed the need to notify the opposition leader's relatives within 24 hours
The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has sparked diverse reactions around the world. Reuters reported.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin was informed of Navalny's death.
The Russian Investigative Committee launched a procedural investigation into the circumstances of the death.
Navalny's assistant Leonid Volkov expressed difficulty confirming the news, citing Navalny's lawyer's trip to the prison site.
Ivan Zhdanov, Navalny's deputy, highlighted the need to notify the opposition leader's relatives within 24 hours, which had not happened at the time of his statement.
Dmitry Muratov, a Russian newspaper editor and Nobel Peace Prize winner, called Navalny's death a “murder” and attributed it to prison conditions.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regretted the news and praised Navalny's bravery as a staunch defender of Russian democracy.
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Sejourne expressed his condolences and highlighted Navalny's sacrifice in resisting an oppressive regime.
“Shocking news about Alexei Navalny… If the report of his death in a Russian prison is true, it represents another terrible crime by the Putin regime. The cruelty against Navalny shows once again why it is necessary to continue fighting 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 considers the Russian regime solely responsible for this tragic death”.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he was deeply saddened and disturbed by reports of Navalny's death. “We need to establish all the facts and Russia must answer all serious questions about the circumstances of his death,” he added.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated in X that Navalny's death “illustrates the unprecedented brutality of the Russian regime.”
“Navalny fought for democratic values and against corruption,” Rutte said.
The Dutch Prime Minister said Navalny had to pay for his struggle with life while being held in the harshest and most inhumane conditions. “I wish a lot of strength to his family, to his loved ones and to all those who fought with him for change in Russia,” he added.
