Leaders from the United States and Europe have condemned the arrest of Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and called on Russian authorities to free him.
Alexei Navalny was arrested at the airport after he returned to Moscow late in the night on 17 January, after months of treatment and being poisoned by a nerve toxin. He will be held in solitary confinement until the trial.
In August of last year, the anti-corruption activist was almost killed in an attack by poisoning. Navalny, 44 years old, claims that the poisoning was ordered and carried out by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has denied any involvement.
Experts in Germany where Navalny is being treated concluded that he had been poisoned by the nerve toxin Novichok, a Soviet-designed toxin.
Jake Sullivan, a national security adviser to US-elect Joe Biden, has called on the Russian authorities for Navalny to be released immediately.
“Mr. Navalny must be released immediately, and those responsible for the outrageous attack against his life should be held accountable. Jake Sullivan wrote that the Kremlin’s attacks against Mr. Navalny were not only a violation of his human rights but also an affront to Russians who want to be heard.
Mike Pompeo, the current Secretary of State, said that the United States condemned Russia‘s decision to imprison Navalny.
“We note with grave concerns that his detention represents the latest attempt to silence Navalny, other opposition figures, and independent voices critical of Russian authorities.”
Heiko Maas, the German Foreign Minister, said on Monday that Russia must release Alexei Navalny.
“Alexei Navalny returned to Russia consciously and freely after his convalescence because he felt that it was his home, both personally and politically. It is incomprehensible that he was detained by Russian authorities upon his arrival.
Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, had earlier on Sunday slammed Russian authorities for holding Navalny.
“The detention of Alexey Navalny on arrival in Moscow is not acceptable.” Michel wrote: “I call on Russian authorities immediately to release him.”
By Ana Dumbadze
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