European leaders have paid tribute to jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny following reports of his death in prison on Friday.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Navalny “paid for his courage with his life.”
Scholz said that he was ”very sad” about reports of Navalny’s death, adding it was ”a terrible sign” of how Russia had changed in recent years.
Former Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the news “fills me with great sadness.”
“He became a victim of Russia’s repressive state power. It is terrible that a courageous, fearless voice that stood up for his country has been silenced by terrible methods.”
In 2020, Navalny was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent, and was airlifted from the Siberian city of Omsk to a hospital in Berlin. Navalny spent 32 days at Berlin’s Charite hospital, 24 of them in intensive care, before doctors deemed his condition had improved sufficiently for him to be discharged. Navalny remained in Germany after his treatment to continue his rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, President of the European Council Charles Michel wrote in a post on X: “Alexey Navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For the sake of his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around the world in the darkest conditions.”
“Fighters die. But the fight for freedom never ends.”
President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she was “deeply disturbed and saddened” by news of the death of Navalny.
“Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people,” she wrote on X. “A grim reminder of what Putin and his regime are all about. Let’s unite in our fight to safeguard the freedom and safety of those who dare to stand up against autocracy.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he was “very shocked” by the reports, adding that it “shows the unprecedented brutality of the Russian regime.”
“Navalny fought for democratic values and against corruption. He had to pay for his struggle with death while he was held under the most harsh and inhumane conditions,” the statement continues. I wish much strength to his family, loved ones and everyone who fought with him for change in Russia.”
