MUNICH – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement from the Munich Security Conference following news that Alexei Navalny died while unjustly imprisoned in a Russian penal colony.

“In 2007 at the Munich Security Conference, the world watched Vladimir Putin deliver a speech in which made clear his intentions to reject cooperation with the West. Today, 17 years later at the very same conference, the world has learned that the Russian President is responsible for the death of one of his most prominent and steadfast opponents, Alexei Navalny.

“Navalny’s death is not just a tragedy for the Russia people, but a profound loss felt across the international community. His staunch commitment to combating corruption made him a beacon of hope for millions, inspiring those who bravely fight for freedom in the face of tyranny. While the loss of Navalny is a stunning blow for the world, his legacy will undoubtedly endure as a symbol of resilience, courage, and hope.

“The need for the international community to stand in solidarity with those who fight for democracy and human rights could not be more urgent. As we mourn this loss, we cannot shrink from our collective responsibility to hold accountable those who seek to silence dissent through violence and repression. In Alexei Navalny’s memory, let us today recommit ourselves to the pursuit of a world where freedom, justice, and human dignity prevail.”

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