The European Union summoned Russia's representative to the bloc and demanded an independent international investigation into the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the EU's diplomatic service said on Tuesday (20).
The EU said Michael Siebert, a senior official at the European External Action Service, also called on Russia to release Navalny's body to his family without further delay in a meeting with Kirill Loginov, Russia's acting permanent representative to the EU.
“The EU conveyed its outrage over the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, for which the ultimate responsibility lies with President (Vladimir) Putin and the Russian authorities,” he said.
Siebert “demanded that Russia allow a transparent and independent international investigation into the circumstances” of Navalny’s death, he added.
The Kremlin has denied involvement in Navalny's death and says Western accusations that Putin was responsible are unacceptable. Russia's Investigative Committee says it has launched a procedural investigation into the death, and the Kremlin has said it is not giving in to EU demands.
Navalny, 47, fell unconscious and died suddenly last Friday after a walk in the penal colony above the Arctic Circle where he was serving a three-decade sentence, Russia's prison service said.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
