"Absolutely unacceptable"

Kremlin: Outrage over Navalny’s death “disgusting”

Anyone who takes part in commemorations of Putin critic Alexei Navalny in Russia risks punishment.

(Bild: AP)

The Russian government finds the outrage of Western governments over the sudden death of Putin critic Alexei Navalny repulsive. "We consider it absolutely unacceptable to make such, well, frankly disgusting statements," said government spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday.

In any case, the criticism will not harm Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Of course, these statements cannot harm our head of state," said Peskov. He had no comment to add from Putin. The investigations would be carried out in accordance with the law.

Criticism of Putin came from Western governments, among others, but also from editorial offices. "Putin 'surpassed' even (Soviet dictator Josef) Stalin with his cruelty. He at least had his opponents sentenced for treason (...). But Putin has created his own justice system - he throws the dissatisfied out of the windows of apartment blocks, poisons them, tortures them with public humiliation (...)", the Bulgarian tabloid "24 Chassa" reported, for example.

Commemoration in Russia

(Bild: AP)

Germany summons ambassador
The German Foreign Ministry in Berlin summons the Russian ambassador this Monday. The politically motivated proceedings against Navalny and numerous other critics of the Russian government show how brutally the judiciary acts against dissidents, a spokeswoman said. Putin is suppressing freedom of opinion in Russia. "We condemn this in the strongest possible terms and expressly demand the release of all those imprisoned in Russia for political reasons."

The circumstances of Navalny's death in a Siberian prison camp must be fully clarified and his body released to his family. In addition, an unpunished memorial should be the minimum. So far, depending on the source, 200 to 400 penalties have been imposed on people who took part in commemorations (see video above).