Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, delivered a determined statement on Friday at the Munich Security Conference, vowing that President Vladimir Putin “will be brought to justice” following the “horrific news” of her husband’s reported death in custody.
Appearing visibly distressed yet composed, Navalnaya expressed doubt regarding her husband’s fate, attributing it to the continuous dissemination of misinformation by the Russian government.
“If Navalny were indeed dead,” she proclaimed, “Putin and his cohorts will be punished for what they have done to our country, for what they have done to my family, for what they have done to my husband.”
Navalnaya’s speech underscored the urgency for global leaders to unite in confronting what she described as the “evil” and “horrifying regime in Russia,” holding both the regime and Putin personally accountable for their actions.
As the mother of Navalny’s two children, Navalnaya disclosed her internal conflict between staying at the conference or immediately travelling with their children, ultimately opting to emulate her husband’s courage by addressing the audience.
Her impassioned remarks were met with a standing ovation from attendees, highlighting the resonance of her message.
Navalny, known for his outspoken criticism of Putin, was last seen appearing healthy and in good spirits during a court hearing via video link. His sudden death announcement by Russia’s prison service has prompted shock and condemnation, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing condolences and reiterating Russia’s accountability for Navalny’s death.
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