Sunday 17th January 2021
"Affront to Russian Citizens"
Biden and EU condemn Nawalny's arrest
Right after his return to Moscow, the Russian authorities arrested Alexei Navalny. That triggers criticism. The future US administration and the European Union are demanding the immediate release of the opposition.
The arrest of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny has sparked sharp international criticism. The designated National Security Advisor to the future US President Joe Biden condemned the incident. "Mr Navalny should be released immediately and those responsible for the heinous attack on his life must be held accountable," Jake Sullivan tweeted.
"The Kremlin's attacks on Mr. Navalny are not only a violation of human rights, but also an affront to Russian citizens who want their voices to be heard," he added.
On behalf of the European Union, Council Chairman Charles Michel criticized the Russian side. The arrest of the 44-year-old immediately after his arrival in Moscow is unacceptable, tweeted Michel. "I call on the Russian authorities to release him immediately." Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy representative, joined him. He wrote on Twitterthat political instrumentalization of the judiciary is not acceptable.
Navalny had flown from Berlin to Moscow on Sunday. Shortly after his arrival, he was arrested at Sheremetyevo airport that evening. The Russian penal authority FSIN accuses Navalny of repeatedly violating the requirements of a five-year suspended sentence.
Navalny was the victim of a poison attack in Siberia in August. He was flown to Germany and treated at the Berlin Charité. Navalny accuses the Russian secret service of being behind his poisoning. The Russian government denies any involvement in the attack.
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