The Party of European Socialists condemns the detention of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and welcomes the declaration released on behalf of the EU by High Representative Josep Borrell.

The 30-day detention of the Kremlin’s critic in Moscow, pending further charges, is an unacceptable violation of his human and democratic rights. Alexei Navalny must be released at once.

The show of support Navalny has received from the EU with the declaration is needed and timely, the PES said today as it condemned the latest attempt by Russian authorities to silence the opposition.

PES President Sergei Stanishev said:

“Alexei Navalny has demonstrated extreme bravery to go back to his homeland and face the Russian authorities, knowing that his freedom and even his life are at risk. His arrest is violation of his rights. Navalny is the democratic leader of the legal opposition. That must be respected and he should be released immediately.

“We fully support the declaration of EU High Representative Josep Borrell. The international community is watching very closely. Politicisation of the judiciary is unacceptable. The suppression of opposition voices in Russia must stop.”

Read the full article here.