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Joint statement on the first anniversary of Alexei Navalny鈥檚 death

The UK and partners pay tribute to Alexei Navalny

On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny鈥檚 death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family. We reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. One year on, Russia鈥檚 dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. All to serve its own interests. As we reflect on Navalny鈥檚 enduring legacy, we continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk.聽

There are over 800 political prisoners in Russia, including many imprisoned for speaking out against the Kremlin鈥檚 illegal invasion of Ukraine and the brutality shown towards the Ukrainian people. The UN Special Rapporteur鈥檚 reports illustrate how many political prisoners are tortured, denied adequate medical treatment and placed in forced psychiatric detention. We are clear: the Russian authorities must uphold their international obligations and release all political prisoners.聽

Australia,聽Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,聽Iceland,聽Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania,聽Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom

Updates to this page

Published 16 February 2025
Last updated 17 February 2025 show all updates
  1. Spain has been added to the list of signatories.

  2. Added translation