German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has reacted with dismay to reports of the death of leading Russian opposition politician, Alexei Navalny, in prison.
“But now we know exactly what kind of regime this is,” said Scholz in Berlin, where he was meeting with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky.
Scholz recalled how he had met Navalny in Berlin when he was recovering from a near-fatal poison attack blamed by Navalny on the Kremlin.
He said he had talked to Navalny about the courage it would take to return to Russia.
“And he has probably now paid for this courage with his life,” Scholz said.
Scholz said that anyone who voices criticism in Russia and stands up for democracy must fear for their safety and life.
“We stand with the family, wife, child and all the relatives and friends,’’ said Scholz.
He said Russia was on a “terrible” path under President Vladimir Putin.
“After the hopeful developments, which unfortunately took place a long time ago and were in the direction of democracy, this is no longer a democracy.”
