In Kirkenes in Sør-Varanger, several people have gathered on Friday evening to remember the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. One of them was mayor Magnus Mæland (H). – It is important that I am present to support my Russian friends and all Russians in Sør-Varanger. The mayor of the border municipality believes that Navalny represented hope for a different Russia. – He is dead, but his light for a democratic Russia will always burn. During the Barents Spectacle, a large picture of the Russian opposition politician is on display in the center of Kirkenes, as part of the “Faces of Russian Resistance” exhibition. The exhibition is organized by the association SmåRådina. Svetlana Bodina of the association SmåRådina found out about Navalny’s death when she landed in Kirkene in connection with the Barents Spectacle. – The first news I heard was the news of his death. It’s terrible news. I am shocked, she told news on Friday afternoon. In Kirkenes, people also met to remember Navalny, including Sør-Varanger’s mayor. Photo: Sebastian Faugstad / news Russian Embassy The Norwegian-Russian association SmåRådina demonstrates in front of the Russian Embassy in connection with the death of opposition leader Aleksey Navalny. – Alexei Navalny’s death is a shock to many, who had little hope for democratic Russia. Navalny remains a role model of a person with a strong belief in democratic, open and fair Russia, wrote SmåRådina in a press release on Friday afternoon. There they called for a demonstration in front of the embassy at 5pm “to hold the Russian authorities accountable for Navalny’s death”. An estimated 30–40 people were present. The Russian embassy in Drammensveien has otherwise been the subject of a number of demonstrations against the war in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Warns against demonstrations Russian authorities warn the residents of Moscow against demonstrating in connection with the death of Alexei Navalny. The public prosecutor’s office in the Russian capital refers to calls on social media where people are asked to turn up in the center of the city to take part in a demonstration. – Participating in unauthorized mass demonstrations, or inciting others to do so, is punishable and can result in imprisonment, says the warning, which is reproduced by Sky News. At the memorial to the victims of political persecution during the Soviet era, which has been erected next to the old KGB headquarters, several people laid flowers on Friday. Police officers watched without intervening. “Alexei Navalny – we remember you” read the text on the card that accompanied one of the bouquets. Reactions Several heads of state and politicians have reacted to the news of Navalny’s death. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) uses strong words about the situation. – He was a political prisoner who died in a Russian prison. The Russian authorities bear full responsibility for Navalny’s tragic death, he says. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says that all facts must be on the table about Alexei Navalny’s death. – Russia must answer serious questions, he says. Read the condolences of heads of state and others: Kai Pfaffenbach / AP Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States – This is, of course, terrible news, which we are working to confirm. If we get it confirmed, this will be another sign of Putin’s brutality. Whatever story they tell, let’s be clear: Russia is responsible, says Kamala Harris. Stephanie Lecoco / Reuters Emmanuel Macron, President of France – In today’s Russia, free souls are sent to gulags and condemned to death. Anger and indignation. I pay tribute to the memory of Alexei Navalny, his dedication and courage. My thoughts go out to the family, his loved ones and the Russian people, writes French President Emmanuel Macron on X. AP Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission – Deeply disturbed and saddened by the news of the death of Alexei Navalny. Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people. A grim reminder of what Putin and his regime really stand for. Let us unite in the fight to protect the freedom and safety of those who dare to stand up against autocracy, writes Ursula von der Leyen at X. BLAIR GABLE / Reuters Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada – He was such a strong champion of democracy, for freedoms for the Russian people. It really shows how far Putin will go to suppress anyone who fights for freedom for the Russian people. It’s a tragedy and it’s something that makes the whole world be reminded of just what kind of monster Putin is, says Justin Trudeau to CBC Radio. SUSANNAH IRELAND / AFP Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister – This is terrible news. As the strongest advocate of Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny displayed incredible courage throughout his life. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy, writes Rishi Sunak on X. Pavel Golovkin / AP Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia – Alexei Navalny’s death is yet another dark reminder of the lawless regime we have do with – and why Russia and all those responsible must be held accountable for each of their crimes. My condolences. Thinking of all those who are still behind bars for their political views, writes Kaja Kallas on X. SEM VAN DER WAL / AFP Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands – This shows the extraordinary brutality of the Russian regime. Navalny fought for democratic values and against corruption. He paid for this with his life while imprisoned under the harshest and most inhumane conditions. I wish his family, loved ones and everyone who fought with him for change in Russia a lot of strength, writes Mark Rutte on X. PHILIP DAVALI / AFP Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark – I am certainly not surprised. That is precisely our problem: We are not surprised. This is another piece on the game board that shows what and who we are dealing with, says Mette Frederiksen to Danish DR. POOL / Reuters Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany – I am deeply saddened by the death of Alexei Navalny. He fought for democracy and freedom in Russia – and apparently he paid with his life for his bravery. This terrible news shows once again how Russia has changed and what type of regime is in power in Moscow, writes Olaf Scholz at X. Evan Vucci / AP Joe Biden, President of the United States – There is no doubt. Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death, says US President Joe Biden in a speech at the White House. Biden believes there is no reason to believe that Alexei Navalny is still alive.
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Several demonstrations in memory of Alexei Navalny – news Troms and Finnmark
