The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations have condemned the arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. It is reported by DW.
“We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union are united in condemning the politically motivated arrest and detention of Alexey Navalny,” a statement informs.
“We the G7 Foreign Ministers call upon the Russian authorities for Mr. Navalny’s immediate and unconditional release.”
Navalny was detained earlier this month, when he returned to Moscow from Germany. He was treated in Germany, after being poisoned in a suspected nerve agent attack.
The group also condemned the detention of protestors and journalists in nationwide protests in Russia.
It urges Russia to release them and guarantee people's rights, including the right to freedom of expression.
On Saturday, January 23, rallies began in various cities of Russia in support of the arrested opposition leader Alexei Navalny, as well as other political prisoners. Nearly 3,500 protesters were detained.
A number of countries have already condemned Russia's actions and called for additional sanctions against the country.
