Statement by Lynne Tracy, United States Ambassador to the Russian Federation
The world mourns the news of Alexey Navalny’s passing for what he represented for the Russian people and what his death signals for Russia’s future.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends and supporters.
On behalf of the people of the United States, we offer our most sincere condolences to each of them and to all the people of Russia.
For many Russians, Alexey Navalny was a strong voice that spoke bravely against corrosive corruption and represented hope for political change. For many he was a symbol of the idea that life in Russia can get better.
The Russian constitution promises the Russian people freedom of speech. However, Mr. Navalny was persecuted, poisoned, imprisoned, tortured and died for what he believed he needed to say to the Russian people and to the world.
It is a difficult thing for the global community to see his mistreatment and his death, but it is stark evidence of the dark and frightening direction the Kremlin is taking its people.
We will be patient as the authorities bring facts to light, but be assured the world is watching.
