Joint statement by President von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on the death of Alexei Navalny

We are shocked and grieved by today's reports about the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Our thoughts are with his wife Yulia Navalnaya, his family and with all those in Russia and beyond who believe in a democratic and peaceful future for Russia. We will honour his memory as a freedom fighter.

Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage and determination throughout his life. He bravely returned to Russia after a heinous assassination attempt. He gave hope to democrats and civil society in Russia, which is why so many people from all over the country joined his actions and listened to his messages.

Russian authorities responded to his legitimate political and anti-corruption activities with politically motivated measures, sending him to a strict-regime penal colony far away from Moscow, inaccessible for his family, friends and observers, and harassed his lawyers.

We had repeatedly called on Russia to ensure his safety and health, and raised our concern over his repeated ill-treatment, unjustified and unlawful disciplinary measures, and harassment amounting to physical and psychological torture by prison authorities.

He was slowly murdered by President Putin and his regime, who fear nothing more than dissent from their own people.

We will spare no efforts to hold the Russian political leadership and authorities to account. We demand Russian authorities to establish all facts around Navalny's death. Russia has to immediately release all other political prisoners.