Greek Leadership Expresses Shock Over Death of Navalny

The death of Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most significant opposition leader and a diehard Putin critic in an Arctic circle prison colony generated reactions and sharp condemnation from around the world on Friday, including Greece.

Taking to the official X (former Twitter) account, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that “…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.”

The same feelings were expressed by the country’s head of state, President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who said:

“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.”

On his part, the leader of the main opposition SYRIZA party, Stefanos Kasselakis, posted the following on X: “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.”

PASOK party leader Nikos Androulakis emphasized that “Alexei Navalny was persecuted, poisoned, imprisoned in inhumane conditions and, in the end, gave his life in the struggle for freedom and a democratic Russia. His death is a stark reminder that the fight for human rights and democracy against the darkest authoritarian regimes is always relevant and continuous.”

According to the BBC, the penal service in Russia’s Yamalo-Nenets district where Navalny was incarcerated claimed he had “felt unwell” after a walk on Friday.

He had “almost immediately lost consciousness”, the Russian authorities said in a statement, adding that an emergency medical team had immediately been called and tried to resuscitate him but without success. “The emergency doctors declared the prisoner dead. Cause of death is being established.”