Following the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) President Theodoros Rousopoulos made the following statement:
"I am deeply shocked by today's terrible news of the death in prison of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
"I send my deepest condolences to his wife, family, colleagues - and all those who shared his vision of a more democratic and accountable Russia.
"There is little doubt that the Russian state - which attempted to poison him, illegally imprisoned him, and systematically subjected him to appalling and inhumane treatment - bears full responsibility for his death. This adds to all those crimes already committed by the Russian regime.
"Navalny's death is a huge loss to the Russian people. As a courageous and determined advocate of their rights, he showed how the power of truth can challenge even the most powerful and oppressive dictatorships.
"He was a ray of hope for those who fight for freedom in Russia."
