Condolences by Grigory Yavlinsky, 16.02.2024

The death of Alexei Navalny is a great tragedy. Whatever its immediate cause, Alexei became a victim of political repression. Navalny was an opponent of the regime and ended up in the penal colony mainly for his political activities. The conditions of his detention, numerous imprisonments in the punitive isolation cell were nothing more than torture, a limitless physical and moral torture, hypocritically and cruelly committed by the authorities, which stop at nothing to suppress their opponents.

The tragedy that has occurred once again demonstrates that Russia needs peace, it needs a radical reform of the entire law enforcement and judicial system, reform of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, an end to politically motivated sentences, and it is necessary to release, as soon as possible, everyone who was imprisoned for criticising the government. The health of Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alexei Gorinov is now causing endless concern…

As you know, Alexei Navalny was a member of the Yabloko party for eight years. Our views diverged long ago, we argued and criticised each other. However, humanwise we always wished him health and strength to withstand terrible trials. I share the family’s terrible grief!

The death of Alexei Navalny once again tragically highlights the daily loss of life in combat and the need for a ceasefire. There is nothing more valuable than human life, regardless of any political beliefs or circumstances. Everything that is happening today and the emerging perspective is terrifying.

I express my deep and sincere condolences to the parents, brother, wife and children of Alexei Navalny.

Grigory Yavlinsky,

Chairman of the Federal Political Committee of Yabloko