MUNICH, Germany – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after reports of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny:
"I'm heartbroken to hear reports of the passing of Alexei Navalny. His death is not just a blow to those who care about the freedom of Russian citizens, but to those who care about freedom and democracy everywhere. His choice to go back to Russia – even after an attempted assassination attempt – was inspiring. I just listened to his wife Yulia’s brave and compelling remarks at the Munich Security Conference. His family’s determined support in his fight for the Russian people has been courageous.
"If these reports are true and Alexei has indeed died in a Russian prison, he is the latest victim of the brutality of Vladimir Putin. Putin's invasion of Ukraine and his repeated attacks on democratic voices in and out of Russia must reinforce our efforts to push back on Putin's thuggery across the globe. May we recommit ourselves today to the cause of freedom in Alexei's name."
Senator Coons is Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.