Alexei Navalny, February 29, 2020 in Moscow.

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Pavel Golovkin / AP / SIPA

The G7 countries on Tuesday condemned the detention for “political” reasons of Russian opponent Alexeï Navalny and demanded his “immediate and unconditional release”, as well as that of his supporters arrested Saturday during demonstrations throughout Russia.

In a joint statement issued by London which holds the rotating presidency of the G7, the heads of the British, American, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Canadian diplomats say they are "united in their condemnation of the arrest for political reasons and of the detention of Alexey Navalny ”.

They say they are "extremely concerned about the detention of thousands of peaceful protesters and journalists" on Saturday and demand their release.

"The violent repression by the police forces of the right of everyone to express their opinions is unacceptable", they denounce.

"These events confirm the continuing negative trend of reducing the place accorded to the opposition, civil society, human rights defenders and independent voices in Russia," they add.

3,900 protesters arrested

Alexei Navalny was poisoned at the end of August with a nerve agent.

After a five-month convalescence in Germany, the opponent returned to Russia on January 17, where he was immediately arrested in the context of one of the multiple legal proceedings against him.

To obtain his release, thousands of people gathered on Saturday across Russia, especially in cities that are usually little mobilized.

According to the count of the NGO OVD-Info, nearly 3,900 protesters were arrested and about fifteen criminal cases, punishable by heavy penalties, were opened.

"We will continue to closely monitor Russia's reaction to calls from the international community for the release of Alexey Navalny, protesters and journalists who have been arbitrarily detained, as well as a criminal investigation into the poisoning of Alexei Navalny ”, warn the G7 ministers.

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  • Poisoning

  • Opposing

  • Alexei Navalny

  • Russia

  • Vladimir Poutine