Press release
Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney on the detention of Alexei Navalny in Moscow
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
"I condemn the detention of Alexei Navalny on his return to Moscow on the 17 January and I call for his immediate release.
"Having survived an attempted poisoning on Russian soil, Mr Navalny chose to return home of his own free will. His detention immediately upon arrival raises serious questions around the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights.
"I reiterate the call for Russia to carry out a transparent investigation into the poisoning of Mr. Navalny in full cooperation with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons."
Mr. Navalny is a leading opposition figure in Russia and was returning to Moscow following treatment for poisoning with a military chemical nerve agent of the “Novichok” group. He was detained by officers of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) at passport control on arrival in Moscow from Germany.
It is expected the EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation concerning Alexei Navalny at their meeting on 25 January.