Russia Faults NATO, EU, U.S Over Reaction To Death Of Putin’s Critic In Prison

The Russian government has reacted to the critical position taken by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and European Union (EU) regarding the death of a frontline critic of President Vladimir Putin, Alexey Navalny, in prison.

The Federal Penitentiary Service of the Autonomous District of Russia announced the death of Navalny on Friday.

He was said to have “felt unwell” and immediately lost consciousness in custody.

The Russian authorities said a preliminary investigation is underway on the deceased who was locked up by Putin for criticizing his administration.

The development was described by NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as deeply saddening and disturbing.

“We need to establish all the facts, and Russia needs to answer all the serious questions about the circumstances of his death,” Stoltenberg stated.

European Council President Charles Michel said the critic fought for the values of freedom and democracy.

“The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death,” Michel added.

Reacting, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, faulted NATO and the West led by the United States for jumping to conclusions before the outcome of the report of the preliminary investigation.

“The instant reaction of the NATO leaders to the news of Alexey Navalny’s demise in the form of direct accusations against Russia is self-exposing.

“There is no forensic medical examination data available, yet the West has already made and voiced its conclusions,” the spokesperson said.