Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined Western leaders in holding Vladimir Putin responsible for the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Speaking in Newcastle on Saturday, Albanese said Australia was shocked and saddened by the news, describing Putin as an authoritarian and calling for democracies to stand against such regimes.
Navalny, 47, died in a prison camp north of the Arctic Circle, where he was serving a 19-year sentence under a 'special regime'. Albanese stated: 'We hold Vladimir Putin and the Russian regime responsible for this death in prison.' On social media, he called Navalny's treatment 'unforgivable'.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong described Navalny as an inspiring figure who opposed a repressive regime. She confirmed that Australia holds the Russian government solely responsible for his death but declined to specify further actions. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton branded Putin a 'murderous dictator', praising Navalny's bravery in opposing him.
The Russian government claims Navalny died of natural causes, stating he collapsed after a walk and resuscitation attempts failed. The Kremlin said President Putin had been informed but had no further details. Navalny had expected to die in custody, having been imprisoned since his return to Russia in 2021.
Albanese's comments echo those of US President Joe Biden, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Biden highlighted Navalny's courage in opposing corruption and violence, noting that Putin had him poisoned, arrested, and imprisoned on fabricated charges.
