The UN human rights office has urged the Russian authorities to ensure that a credible investigation into the death of opposition leader, Alexei Navalny in prison is carried out.
Spokesperson Liz Throssell stated that 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,” she noted.
“We urge the Russian authorities to ensure such a credible investigation is carried out,” she added.
Russia’s Investigative Committee disclosed that it has launched a procedural probe into the death.
Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry said that the United States should show restraint before accusing Russia of Navalny’s death.
The ministry said that the US should wait for the results of the forensic medical examination.
This came as White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said that The United States is actively seeking confirmation of Navalny’s reported death.
“If it’s confirmed, it is a terrible tragedy,” he stated.
Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said in a post on Telegram that the leaders of NATO countries have exposed themselves with their knee-jerk reaction to Navalny’s death, making direct accusations against Russia.
“No forensic examination has been conducted yet but the West has already drawn conclusions,” she wrote on Telegram.
Navalny’s Wife Urges For Justice
Alexei Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, gave an address at the Munich Security Conference, urging for justice for her late husband.
She movingly spoke about the decision she has to take about whether to stay in Munich and speak on stage or go back immediately to her children.
She decided to do what her husband would have done and speak at the conference.
She said she didn’t know if “we should believe the terrible news” but said Russian President, Vladimir Putin is “personally liable for all the horrible things they are doing to my country.”
She said that the news had only come from Russian government sources, adding, “for many years we cannot trust Putin and the Putin government. They always lie.”
Nonetheless, she asserted that if Navalny’s death was true, justice should be allowed to take its cause.
“I would like Putin and all his staff – everybody around him, his government, his friends – I want them to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our country, with my family and with my husband.
“They will be brought to justice, and this day will come soon. And I would like to call upon all the international community, all the people in the world, we should come together and we should fight against this evil.”
Yulia Navalnaya
She said, “We should fight this horrific regime in Russia today.”
“This regime and Vladimir Putin should be personally held responsible for all the atrocities they have committed in our country the last year,” she added.
Moreover, Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the U.S Senate foreign relations committee, issued a statement from the Munich Security Conference.
He said that Navalny’s death is “not just a tragedy for the Russia people, but a profound loss felt across the international community.”
He said that Navalny was “a beacon of hope for millions” inspiring those who “bravely fight for freedom in the face of tyranny.”
He averred that while the loss of Navalny is a stunning blow for the world, his legacy will undoubtedly endure as a symbol of resilience, courage, and hope.
“The need for the international community to stand in solidarity with those who fight for democracy and human rights could not be more urgent.
“As we mourn this loss, we cannot shrink from our collective responsibility to hold accountable those who seek to silence dissent through violence and repression.”
Ben Cardin
“In Alexei Navalny’s memory, let us today recommit ourselves to the pursuit of a world where freedom, justice, and human dignity prevail,” Cardin urged.
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