US and UK Ambassadors Honor Alexei Navalny in Moscow
ICARO Media Group
US Ambassador Lynne Tracy and Britain's Ambassador Nigel Casey paid their respects to Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died in prison on Friday, by laying flowers at a memorial in Moscow. Navalny's allies suspect foul play in his death, attributing it to an order from President Vladimir Putin. Russian prison authorities claim Navalny died from "sudden death syndrome".
Approximately 400 Russians have been detained at gatherings held in remembrance of Navalny. Photos from the Solovetsky Stone, a monument to political repression now serving as a memorial for Navalny, show a growing pile of flowers left in his honor. The US Embassy in Moscow expressed condolences, calling Navalny's strength an inspiring example and honoring his memory.
The UK Embassy in Moscow advocated for a "full and transparent investigation" into Navalny's death, summoning a representative of the Russian embassy. Accusations surfaced that Russian authorities are concealing Navalny's body, prompting calls for accountability from President Putin and his allies.
The late activist's body was reportedly taken to a morgue in Salekhard, with an inconclusive initial post-mortem examination necessitating further investigation. While the Russian president has not publicly addressed Navalny's death, the EU's foreign policy chief announced plans to welcome Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, for discussions on Monday.
As the mourning for Navalny continues, questions linger over the circumstances of his demise, including the location of his body and the cause of death. Allies of the opposition figure maintain that authorities are attempting to obscure the truth surrounding his passing. The Kremlin has acknowledged Navalny's death, while facing scrutiny from international entities regarding the handling of his case.
The passing of Alexei Navalny has sparked international concern and calls for justice, as supporters across Russia face repercussions for paying respects to the outspoken critic of President Putin's regime.
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