Canada has imposed new sanctions on six Russian officials following the death of Alexei Navalny, a staunch critic of Vladimir Putin and opposition leader of Russia, in an Arctic prison. This was stated in a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country on Sunday.
Those sanctioned are high-ranking officials of Russia’s prosecution, judicial and correctional services.
The statement said the six sanctioned officials were involved in Navalny’s human rights violations, his brutal punishment and ultimately his death.
Along with our partners, Canada will continue to press the Russian government for a full and fair investigation into Navalny’s death, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement. This increased pressure is a clear message that human rights must be respected unequivocally.
After the death of Alexei Navalny, the Canadian government summoned the Russian ambassador and demanded a full and fair investigation into his death.
Navalny, 47, died on February 16 in a penal colony in the Arctic. He was serving a 19-year sentence for ‘extremism’. His family and allies have accused the Kremlin of ordering his assassination. Western leaders blamed Putin for his death.
