France denounced Tuesday the "criminal act" perpetrated against the Russian opponent Alexeï Navalny, victim of poisoning according to Germany. The Quai d'Orsay also demanded from the Russian authorities a "rapid and transparent investigation". "France expresses its deep concern at this criminal act perpetrated against a major player in Russian political life", the ministry said in a statement, deeming "essential that the Russian authorities carry out a rapid and transparent investigation which establishes the circumstances in which this act was committed ".
Renewed "support" for Navalny
Paris believes that "those responsible for this act should be identified and brought to justice" and reiterates its desire to provide the opponent as well as his relatives with "support in these difficult circumstances". Shortly before, the Kremlin had considered hasty the conclusions of the German doctors having concluded with the poisoning of Alexeï Navalny.
The opponent remained in an artificial coma on Tuesday, in serious condition, even if his life is not in danger. Doctors at the Charité Hospital in Berlin refused to make any prognosis as to the evolution of his state of health.