A resolution passed by the European Parliament on Thursday asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government hold "criminal and political responsibility" for the demise of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The resolution strongly denounced Navalny's passing, expressed unwavering support for his widow Yulia Navalnaya to carry on his legacy, and demanded accountability from Putin.

The European Parliament cautioned that Navalny's demise while in custody is indicative of the escalating and systemic oppression prevalent in Russia, urging for a comprehensive and transparent investigation. The funeral of the prominent opposition figure is scheduled to be held in Moscow on Friday. Navalny's widow, Navalnaya, paid homage to his memory in Strasbourg earlier in the week, expressing concerns that Russian law enforcement might detain mourners at the ceremony.

Navalny, who passed away at the age of 47 on February 16, was reportedly a victim of a poisoning incident in 2020 which left him frail. Subsequently, he was subjected to prolonged periods of isolation in a Russian penitentiary located in the Siberian Arctic region. Navalny is said to have collapsed and succumbed to his condition while engaged in physical activity in the frigid prison yard, despite efforts to revive him. Notably, there has been no independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his demise or an autonomous autopsy report. Navalny's team has stated that the official death certificate cites "natural" causes.