The EPP Group says it is “shocked” to learn of the death of Alexei Navalny, the 2021 Sakharov Prize laureate.
The death of the Russian dissident in prison was announced on Friday and led to condemnation across the world.
Reacting, Manfred Weber, a German MEP and Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, said, “Navalny’s death in Putin’s prison is shocking and deeply saddening. The true face of Russia today is that of a murderous dictatorship. It only strengthens our resolve to protect democracy and freedom in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Rasa Juknevičienė, the EPP Group’s Vice-Chair for Foreign Affairs, in a statement, claimed,”Putin has finally killed Navalny. It was only a matter of time, given that they already tried to assassinate him by poisoning in 2020. Navalny foresaw this outcome. He will go down in world history as a martyr who tried to stop this great threat of the 21st century,” says Juknevičienė.
“This murder is not only the elimination of a man who dared to stand up to Putin. It is also a signal from the Kremlin announcing new tests that we will soon have to face. The news of Navalny’s murder must unite the democratic world even more in our fight for Ukraine’s freedom and a different kind of Russia,” Juknevičienė adds.
Another MEP Andrius Kubilius. the Parliament’s spokesman on Russia, alleged that “Navalny was killed in the battle for democracy in Russia.”
“Putin killed Navalny. But Putin will not be able to kill the democratic future of Russia. We shall continue Navalny’s fight, the whole democratic world will continue his fight,” Kubilius stresses.
Elsewhere, Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, comments, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Navalny. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who wish to see a free and democratic Russia.
“Navalny and his herculean work in fighting for democracy against the Russian regime were a source of inspiration and hope for all those fighting for freedom from oppression. We will never forget the bravery and fearlessness shown by Navalny and all those standing in the face of the cruelty of Putin’s Russia.”
Philippe Lamberts, a Belgian MEP and President of the Greens/EFA Group, commented, “The death of Navalny marks a dark day for Russia and he will be sorely missed. Sadly, Navalny joins the long list of critics of the Russian regime who have died after standing up to the corruption and kleptocracy of Vladimir Putin.
“The fact that he was jailed in horrific and inhuman conditions shows the brutality and ruthlessness of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. This must solidify the resolve of the EU, US and all our allies to continue our steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s aggression.”
