Statement from the Khodorkovsky Foundation US on the tragic death of Alexey Navalny:
The tragic death of Alexey Navalny in prison marks a chilling continuation of a sinister pattern of political repression by the Russian government, led by President Vladimir Putin. Navalny's death is not an unfortunate incident but a deliberate act of murder, highlighting the lengths to which Putin's regime will go to silence opposition. This event is a stark reminder of the grim fate that befell Vasily Alexanyan and Sergey Magnitsky, who suffered torture and medical neglect at the hands of the state. Such methods reveal the brutal tactics employed by the Russian government to eliminate those who dare to challenge its authority, underscoring a systemic abuse of human rights and contempt for democratic principles.
Navalny's death is a reminder of the illegitimacy of Putin's rule. It is a call to action for global leaders to recognize the urgency of the situation and the need for a unified stance against the illegitimate dictator who presides over a regime that murders its political adversaries. The world's reaction to this atrocity will influence the fate of other political prisoners in Russia, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, Andrei Pivovarov, and many others who risked their lives to fight for freedom and democracy.
This moment requires more than a mere condemnation; it demands a concerted effort to hold the Russian government and President Putin accountable for their actions. The international community must not accept plausible explanations for Navalny's death or allow diplomatic protocol to overshadow the imperative to respond to the reality of Putin's brutal crackdown on dissent. Rejecting Putin as an illegitimate leader is not only a moral imperative but a necessary step to safeguard the principles of justice and human dignity. It is a testament to the courage of those like Alexey Navalny, who, even in the face of lethal danger, stood resolute in their quest for a free Russia.
As the world grapples with the implications of Navalny's killing, it is clear that silence and inaction are complicit. Now, more than ever, it is time for world leaders to stand firm, echoing President Biden's clear denunciation of this tragedy, and to send an unequivocal message that such acts of tyranny will not be tolerated. The legacy of Alexey Navalny and the future of countless others imprisoned for their beliefs hinge on our collective resolve to confront and condemn the forces of oppression. In memory of Navalny and in solidarity with those who continue his fight, we must demand justice, accountability, and a return to the rule of law in Russia.
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