The International Republican Institute (IRI) released the statement on the death of Russian opposition leader and recipient of IRI’s 2022 John S. McCain Freedom Award, Alexei Navalny. The statement asserts that "This devastating news is a reminder that Vladimir Putin is an enemy of civilization who will go to great lengths to target and kill his political opposition". 

“IRI is saddened by the passing of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and condemns the evil treatment that led to his untimely death. Navalny was a champion of democracy and freedom fighter for his fellow Russians. He provided a powerful voice for those who had theirs taken away and history will remember him as a defiant figure who pulled back the curtains of corruption inside the Kremlin. This devastating news is a reminder that Vladimir Putin is an enemy of civilization who will go to great lengths to target and kill his political opposition. Through poisonings and prison sentences he unmasks his own fragility and insecure hold on power. The people of Russia deserve to live in a free and democratic society in which they control their own destiny without fear of punishment from the government. IRI once again calls for the immediate release of Vladimir Kara-Muza and all other political prisoners in Russia unjustly jailed for their opinions and beliefs", - says a statement released by IRI.