February 16, Pozirk. The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is “yet another proof that human life has no value for dictators,” Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja said on Telegram.
In her opinion, the regimes of Vladimir Putin and Alaksandar Łukašenka “get rid of their opponents by any means in order to stay in power.”
Cichanoŭskaja pointed out that Belarusian authorities are holding “dozens of political prisoners incommunicado.” “The lives of Mikałaj Statkievič, Maša Kaleśnikava, my husband Siarhiej and others are under direct threat,” she said.
Political prisoners Vitold Ašurak, Vadzim Chraśko, Mikałaj Klimovič and Aleś Puškin have died behind bars, while hundreds of others “are being held in inhumane conditions without any aid,” she added.
Noting that the Anti-Corruption Foundation founder was repeatedly placed in a punishment cell, Cichanoŭskaja said: “I have no doubt that Navalny was purposefully killed by Putin’s regime.”
“I offer my sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues of Alexei Navalny. My heart is with you today,” she concluded.
Navalny died today in Russia’s “Polar Wolf” prison colony. He was 47.
Prison authorities said he felt unwell after a walk and lost consciousness. An ambulance crew pronounced him dead.
The cause of death has not yet been determined, according to the authorities.
In 2020, the politician supported the protests in Belarus. He repeatedly criticized the government of Alaksandar Łukašenka.
