2024-02-29 23:55:17
The Russian government and Vladimir Putin personally bear criminal and political responsibility for the murder of their most prominent opponent, Alexei Navalny, MEPs say.
The European Parliament strongly condemns the murder of Alexei Navalny and expresses its full support to Yulia Navalnaya in her determination to continue the case he started. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, they stressed that full criminal and political responsibility for his death rests with the Russian state, and in particular with its President Vladimir Putin, who should be held accountable.
MEPs warn that the killing of Alexei Navalny is yet another manifestation of growing and systematic repression in Russia and demand an independent and transparent international investigation into his death to reveal the truth, ensure accountability and ensure justice.
Russia’s political system is controlled, the resolution says, by a consolidated authoritarian regime that engages in rampant corruption, that uses rigged elections to create the appearance of democracy and concentrate all power in the hands of Vladimir Putin.
Support the democratic opposition in Russia, MEPs say
Stressing that it is wrong to consider the Russian people to be identical with the “militant, authoritarian and kleptocratic Kremlin regime”, MEPs express their solidarity with all those in Russia and beyond who, despite the deliberately brutal repression and the severe personal consequences, continue to find the courage to tell the truth.
Alexei Navalny embodied the struggle for freedom and democracy in Russia with his dream of a “future beautiful Russia”, MEPs say, calling on the EU and its member states to continue to show their unwavering solidarity and actively support independent Russian civil society and the democratic opposition.
They also urge Member States to increase their efforts to find feasible ways to release the most affected prisoners, especially political prisoners or those subjected to torture, including the possibility of possible prisoner exchanges.
Support for Ukraine is the Kremlin’s best response
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian authorities have stepped up their crackdown on opposition voices in the country, warn MEPs who want the EU, its member states and like-minded partners around the world to continue their political, economic, financial and military support for Ukraine as the best response to the oppressive and aggressive practices of the Kremlin regime. A decisive victory for Ukraine could lead to real changes in the Russian Federation, specifically de-imperialization, decolonization and re-federalization, all of which are necessary conditions for the establishment of democracy in Russia.
Parliament calls on the Commission, and in particular the European External Action Service, to develop an active, long-term strategic policy towards Russia that effectively responds to the current reality of EU-Russia relations, the human rights situation in Russia and the need from support of Russian civil society and opposition representatives in exile.
The resolution was adopted with 506 votes “for”, 9 “against” and 32 “abstentions”.