A number of European countries on Monday (Feb 19) summoned Russian diplomats over the rather suspicious death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week, whilst also warning of fresh sanctions.
France led the chart by summoning Russian ambassador to Paris, confirmed foreign minister Stephane Sejourne who is currently on a diplomatic trip to Argentina.
“I have asked for the convocation of the Russian ambassador today,” he informed during a press conference, adding that “the regime of Vladimir Putin has once again shown its true nature”.
Norway’s foreign ministry also released a statement saying it had done the same.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has today summoned the Russian ambassador for a talk about the death of Alexei Navalny. In the conversation, Norwegian views will be conveyed about Russian authorities’ responsibility for the death and for facilitating a transparent investigation,” the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Germany said it was proposing fresh sanctions against Moscow as President Vladimir Putin had once again used his powers to cull freedom in the country.
“We have seen the brutal force with which the Russian president represses his own citizens who take to the streets to demonstrate for freedom or write about it in newspapers,” said German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock.
“We will propose new sanctions in light of the death of Alexei Navalny.”
Notably, Germany under Chancellor Olaf Scholz had temporarily took in Navalny in 2020 after he was poisoned with a nerve agent.
“What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin’s brutality no one should be fooled not in Russia not at home not anywhere in the world,” said US President Joe Biden last week.
Navalny, once led street protests against the Russian president, building a potent opposition that constantly targeted Moscow’s corrupt officials.
