Forty-three countries, including European Union (EU) member states, have called for an independent international investigation into the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who recently died. He also emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin should ultimately take responsibility for this issue.
According to AFP on the 4th (local time), EU Ambassador Lotte Knudsen said in a statement to the UN Human Rights Council that day, “We are outraged by the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, and the ultimate responsibility lies with President Putin and the Russian authorities.” “He said.
“Russia must allow an independent and transparent international investigation into his untimely death,” he said.
43 countries, including the EU, the US, the UK, Ukraine, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, were named in the statement. They also called for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners, human rights activists, journalists, and anti-war activists detained by Russia for opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We urge Russia to create a safe environment in which political opposition and critical voices can emerge,” said Ambassador Krusen. “Navalny’s courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice, freedom and democracy will never be forgotten.” “It won’t happen,” he said.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also pointed out at the Human Rights Council on the same day that Russian authorities are further strengthening their suppression of dissenting voices in relation to the Russian presidential election to be held this month. At the same time, he said, “The suppression of independent voices must immediately stop.”
However, the Russian representative who attended the meeting said of Turkey’s report, “The UN Human Rights Office is producing an ‘anti-Russian report’ that reproduces manipulation by Ukraine and the West,” and added, “In order not to lose the remaining trust, an objective review of the world situation is needed.” “We need to start evaluating,” he said.
Navalny, who is considered President Putin’s greatest political enemy, died suddenly on the 16th of last month while serving his sentence in a Siberian prison.
The cause of death was recorded as ‘natural death’, but the death was considered suspicious as an independent autopsy was not provided. His funeral was held on the 1st, two weeks after Navalny’s death.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.