Greek Politicians React to Alexei Navalny’s Death

Greek politicians reacted with horror to the news that jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is dead.

The 47-year-old outspoken critic of President Putin has been in a Russian jail since 2021 on charges widely viewed as politically motivated.

President Biden says Vladimir Putin is “responsible”, after reports of the opposition politician’s death.

More than 100 street protesters were detained in Russian cities, reports say, as people were warned not to rally. Demonstrations and vigils have taken place near Russian embassies in many countries.

In Greece, vigils were held in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Mitsotakis: Navalny fought against “a brutal, authoritarian regime”

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis extolled the courage and fighting spirit of Alexei Navalny against “a brutal, authoritarian regime” after the leading Kremlin critic’s death was announced on Friday.

In a post on X (former Twitter), the premier said, “Alexei Navalny fought fiercely for democracy and stood up to a brutal, authoritarian regime. A regime that made sure Navalny paid for his bravery first with his freedom, and now with his life. Our thoughts are with his family. His courage will not be forgotten.”

Alexei Navalny fought fiercely for democracy and stood up to a brutal, authoritarian regime. A regime that made sure Navalny paid for his bravery first with his freedom, and now with his life. Our thoughts are with his family. His courage will not be forgotten.

— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) February 16, 2024

Greek President: a reminder of the oppressive nature of the regime

President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed her shock at the death of Alexei Navalny in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), referring to him as a prominent human rights activist dedicated to the struggle for freedom and democracy.

His death, she noted, is “a stark reminder of the oppressive nature of the regime, which cannot tolerate any dissenting voice,” and she underlined that his death was a sacrifice for ideals cherished the most.

The president’s full post is as follows: “Shocked by the death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent human rights activist dedicated to the fight for freedom and democracy. Α stark reminder of the oppressive nature of the regime that cannot tolerate any dissident voice. Navalny sacrificed himself for the ideals we cherish most. He will always be remembered as an example of unparalleled courage and devotion to a higher cause. My deepest condolences to his family.”

SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader Stefanos Kasselakis expressed his shock at the death of Russian activist and Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in a social media post on Friday.

Posting on X (former Twitter) in the English language, Kasselakis said, “Appalled to learn the news of the death of Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, who gave his life fighting for democratic rights & against oppression. My most sincere condolences to his family & loved ones.”