Hoyer Statement on  Death of Alexei Navalny

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny: 

“Today, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny met the same terrible fate that befell so many opponents of dictators, fascists, and authoritarians throughout history. Russian authorities report that he died today in a frigid gulag in the Arctic Circle. Precisely what caused his death remains unclear, but we know all too well who is responsible: Vladimir Putin.

“From organizing mass protests against Russia's rigged elections to denouncing the invasion of Ukraine, Navalny was a voice of reason in Russia. A courageous, principled leader, he believed that a free Russia was worth fighting for – no matter the cost. Putin's efforts to poison, imprison, silence, and sequester him were not the actions of a confident leader but of a paranoid despot terrified of his own people. Even in death, Navalny exposed Putin's regime for what it is: 'a party of crooks and thieves.'

“Navalny’s death is among the many horrific murders perpetrated by the enemies of freedom in a worldwide struggle between democracy and despotism. That battle rages every day in Ukraine. Our allies are willing to give everything to resist Putin's tyranny, as Navalny did. For the past 414 days, however, our Congress has failed to continue to do our part for the defense of democracy. Worse, former President Trump explicitly encourages Putin to attack our NATO allies. The far-right’s sympathy for authoritarians endangers the entire free world.

“As President Biden said today, 'history is watching the House of Representatives.' Let it not find our House fettered by inaction. I urge Speaker Johnson to give us a vote on supplemental aid for our allies. Give Navalny a vote; give all of Putin's victims a vote; give everyone who wishes to live and die free a vote.”