Belgium calls for independent investigation into Navalny's death

Belgium is calling for an independent investigation into the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The country also wants Navalny's family to be given immediate access to his remains.

Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo announced on Tuesday morning that Russia's ambassador to the country, Alexander Tokovinin, would be summoned over Navalny's death. The meeting with Belgium's director general for Bilateral Affairs took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Foreign ministry.

"His death is yet another reminder of how Putin's authoritarianism threatens peace, freedom and prosperity"

Tokovinin was told that Belgium is calling for an independent investigation to determine the causes of Navalny's death in a transparent and objective manner. "The prison system is responsible for the state of health of prisoners. Belgium notes that the system did not assume this responsibility with regard to Mr Navalny," the Foreign ministry said.

Belgium also wants Navalny's family to be given immediate access to his remains. "We call on Russia to take the necessary measures immediately," the Foreign ministry said. Russia was also urged to release all those who had expressed their condolences following Navalny's death.

"Navalny's struggle will not be in vain"

"Aleksei Navalny was a symbol of the Russian people's resistance to oppression and dictatorship," said Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib. "His death is yet another reminder of how Putin's authoritarianism threatens peace, freedom and prosperity, not only in Russia and Ukraine, but also elsewhere in Europe," she said.

"Navalny's struggle will not be in vain. Yesterday I spoke to his wife, who will continue his fight. I assured her of my full support, as well as that of Belgium and the European Union," said Lahbib.

(KOR)

^{Belgian Foreign minister Hadja Lahbib and Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnaya meeting in Brussels on 19 February 2024 © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}