On February 16, local time, the Russian Prison Administration announced that Russian opposition figure Navalny died in prison. This news immediately aroused widespread concern in the international community. As the leader of Russia's political opposition, Navalny has been one of Putin's leading critics. Whether his death was related to politics has become the focus of attention.
Navalny, who was imprisoned in a polar prison during his lifetime
Alexei Navalny ( Russian, politician, born in 1976, graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. He has worked as a consultant to Russia and blogged about corruption at Rosneft and other state-owned oil and gas companies in 2008. However, Navalny's political career has not been without its challenges. He was sentenced to five years in prison on suspicion of embezzling timber, which was later commuted to a suspended sentence. Navalny denounced the accusation as politically motivated.
Navalny was briefly arrested in December 2011 and June 2012 for organizing the demonstrations. In October 2012, Navalny, who had just been released from prison, and dozens of leaders of the ** people, formally established the Russian Opposition Coordination Council. In December 2012, Navalny formed an opposition coalition.
In August 2020, Navalny was taken to a German hospital after feeling unwell on his way from Tomsk, Russia, to Moscow. Germany** described his symptoms as "Novichok" nerve agent poisoning. This matter once caused a stir, and Western countries led by the United States continued to use it to put pressure on Russia and impose sanctions. However, the Russian side denied this. Russian spokeswoman Zakharova claimed that Navalny's poisoning was directed by Western countries.
Upon his return to Russia, Navalny was sent to prison for violating the terms of his probation**. On March 22, 2022, he was found guilty of fraud and contempt of court and sentenced to nine years in prison. On August 4, 2023, the Vladimir Regional Circuit Court in Russia sentenced Navalny to 19 years in prison on seven counts of incitement and carrying out "extremist activities". In December of the same year, he was transferred to the IK-3 prison in the Arctic Circle.
It is understood that the prison, nicknamed the "Polar Wolf", is located in the Arctic Circle, and the conditions are very difficult, with an average winter temperature of about minus 20, and most of the year is covered with snow.
Navalny's death has sparked widespread concern in the international community。Many expressed shock and grief at his passing, while also expressing concern about the truth of the incident. Some believe that Navalny's death may be politically related and an action taken by Putin. However, there are also those who are cautious and believe that more evidence and findings need to be waited.
It is reported that when the news of Navalny's death broke, his wife Navalnia was in Germany attending the Munich Security Conference. After learning of her husband's death, Navalnia stepped up to the podium and spoke. In his speech, he said he was struggling with "whether to stay in Munich or fly to the children right away", "but if Navalny were in the same situation as I am now, he would choose to stand here." ”
It is reported that the Navalny couple have two children: the eldest daughter Daria, 23, and the younger son, Zahar, who is in his 10s.
Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalny, called on Western countries to "unite" in the fight against Russia's "terrible regime". "Russia** Putin and his cronies in the Kremlin are responsible for the crimes committed against Navalny and the country as a whole," she said. ”
The accusations of Western countries, led by the United States, NATO and many EU dignitaries have pointed the finger at Russia**.
"We don't know exactly what happened, but there's no doubt that Navalny's death was caused by what Putin and his men did......," Biden told reporters”
U.S. Deputy ** Harris also spoke on the 16th, saying that Russia ** needs to be responsible for Navalny's death.
White House adviser Jake Sullivan called it "a terrible tragedy" in an interview.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. would closely monitor the progress of the investigation and called on Russia to ensure that those involved receive fair and transparent trials.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Navalny's death was "terrible news".
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it a "terrible sign" of the changes that have taken place in Russia in recent years.
According to Macron, this means that the "soul of freedom" has been "sentenced to death" in Russia.
Ukrainian ** Zelensky, "Navalny was killed by Putin." ”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that "we need to get to the bottom of all the relevant facts, and Russia needs to answer all serious questions about the circumstances of Navalny's death." ”
EU Council President Charles Michel said that the EU believes that Russia is fully responsible for Navalny's death.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Navalny's death was a reminder of "the nature of Putin and his regime."
European Parliament President Sassoli said Navalny's death was a huge loss for Russian politics.
Russia responded in the face of accusations from Western countries
In the face of accusations from Western countries, Russian press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that the relevant remarks were "absolutely unacceptable and inappropriate." He stressed that there is no specific information on the cause of death yet, medical professionals are working on the cause of death, and the Russian Federal Security Service is taking measures to deal with the current situation.
Russian *** spokesperson Zakharova also countered on social ** that Western politicians have made conclusions about Navalny's death in advance, and the intention behind it is self-evident. She also accused the United States of trying to use Navalny's death to interfere in Russia's internal affairs and find a pretext for imposing sanctions on Russia.
Navalny's death is not only a source of grief for his family, relatives and friends, but also a reflection on politics and human rights. Whether his death is politically relevant still needs to be further investigated and clarified. At this sensitive moment, the international community should remain calm and objective, waiting for more information to emerge, while calling on Russia to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. Only in this way can peace and stability in the international community be truly maintained.