Following opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s murder in an Arctic prison colony last month, Canada slapped fresh penalties against six Russian officials on Sunday.
According to a statement from Canada’s foreign affairs department, the penalties are aimed at “senior officials and high-ranking employees of Russia’s prosecution, judicial and correctional services.”
The six individuals “were involved in the violation of Mr. Navalny’s human rights, his cruel punishment and ultimately, his death,” claimed the statement.
“Alongside our partners, Canada will maintain pressure on the Russian government to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into the death of Mr. Navalny,” Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement. “This increased pressure on the Russian government sends a clear signal that human rights must be unequivocally respected.”
The Canadian government called Russia’s ambassador following the passing of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken critic, Alexei Navalny, in order to “demand a full and transparent investigation” into his death.On February 16, Navalny passed away under mysterious circumstances in an Arctic prison colony while serving a 19-year sentence for “extremism.” His age was forty-seven.Putin is “responsible” for his killing, according to Western officials, while his family and associates have charged that the Kremlin ordered his death.
