Alexei Navalny’s wife fights back tears as she calls on world to ‘punish’ Putin
The Kremlin is being accused of a “brutal” assassination after Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critic, opposition leader Alexei Navalny, died in jail at the age of 47.
World leaders reacted with outrage to the announcement by the Siberian prison service, where the prominent anti-corruption activist had been serving his sentence.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken said Mr Navalny’s death “underscores the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built”.
The prison service said Mr Navalny felt unwell after a walk on Friday, and “almost immediately lost consciousness”. It said medical staff had been called, but that they were unable to resuscitate him. It said the reason of death was being established.
The opposition politician had become the leading figurehead for the opposition against Vladimir Putin in Russia, organising anti-Kremlin protests and serving several stints in jail. He first came to prominence as blogger in 2010, publishing investigations into corruption in Russia.
As Mr Navalny’s team sought confirmation of his death and warned against Kremlin “propaganda”, Latvian president Edgars Rinkevics was among those who noted that his death would amount to being “brutally murdered by the Kremlin”.
Watch: Blinken says death shows weakness in heart of Russia
Blinken says Navalny death shows ‘weakness’ at heart of Putin’s Russia
Jane Dalton16 February 2024 15:38
Putin is a monster, says Canadian PM
Mr Navalny’s death is a tragedy and has reminded the entire world what a “monster” Russian president Vladimir Putin is, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
“He was such a strong fighter for democracy, for freedoms for the Russian people. It really shows the extent to which Putin has, will crack down on anyone who is fighting for freedom for the Russian people,” Mr Trudeau told CBC Radio.
“It is a tragedy and it’s something that has the entire world being reminded of exactly what a monster Putin is.”
(AP)
Jane Dalton16 February 2024 15:31
UN urges Russia to conduct ‘credible’ investigation
The UN human rights office has urged Russian authorities to ensure a credible investigation into Mr Navalny’s death is carried out.
“If someone dies in the custody of the state, the presumption is that the state is responsible – a responsibility that can only be rebutted through an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation carried out by an independent body,” said human-rights office spokesperson Liz Throssell.
“We urge the Russian authorities to ensure such a credible investigation is carried out.”
Russia’s Investigative Committee said it had launched a procedural probe into the death.
Jane Dalton16 February 2024 15:26
US should await forensic results before accusations, says Russia
Russia’s foreign ministry has said the United States should show restraint and wait for the results of the forensic medical examination before accusing the country of being behind Alexei Navalny’s death, Moscow news agency Tass reported.
Jane Dalton16 February 2024 15:11
Nato must train 200,000 Ukrainians a year, says ex-defence secretary
An ex-defence secretary has suggested five steps the West can take to punish Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Ben Wallace said on social media that Nato members should pledge to train 200,000 Ukrainians a year; double down on supplies including Taurus missiles from Germany, which Berlin has refused to supply; tighten sanctions; confiscate Russian assets and use them for Ukraine, and the US Congress to pass the next aid package.
Jane Dalton16 February 2024 14:54
Watch: Yulia Navalny fights back tears as she calls on world to punish Putin
Watch: Navalny’s wife fights back tears as she speaks out on husband’s reported death
Alexei Navalny’s wife fought back tears as she spoke out for the first time on her husband’s reported death on Friday, 16 February. Vladimir Putin’s most prominent critic was reported to have died in jail by the Siberian prison service, where the anti-corruption activist had been serving his sentence. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Yulia Navalnaya said she didn’t know if she should believe the news but declared the Russian leader is “personally liable for all the horrible things they are doing to my country”. “I want Putin and everyone around him to know that they will be held accountable for everything they did to our country, to my family,” she added.
Jane Dalton16 February 2024 14:46
It’s obvious Putin killed Navalny, says Ukrainian president
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says it is “obvious” that Mr Navalny was killed by Vladimir Putin.
On a visit to Berlin seeking aid for his country as it fights off Russian attacks, MrZelensky said: “Putin doesn’t care who dies – only for him to hold his position.
“This is why he must hold onto nothing. Putin must lose everything and be held responsible for his deeds.”
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (R) welcomes Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky
(EPA)
Jane Dalton16 February 2024 14:36
Wife says Putin must be held responsible for all atrocities
Vladimir Putin must be personally held responsible for all the atrocities he has committed in country in the past years, said Mr Navalny‘s wife, Yulia.
The Russian president and his government lie incessantly, she said.
She said she did not know whether to believe the terrible news, adding: “If this is true, I would like to tell Putin and his friends that they will not go unpunished.”
(AFP via Getty Images)
Jane Dalton16 February 2024 14:27
Navalny’s wife calls on world to fight ‘horrific’ Russian regime
Mr Navalny‘s wife Yulia has called on the international community to come together and fight against the “horrific regime” in Russia.
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Jane Dalton16 February 2024 14:23
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
