Canada has announced the imposition of new sanctions on six Russian officials in response to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who passed away last month in an Arctic prison colony. The sanctions specifically target senior officials and high-ranking employees within Russia’s prosecution, judicial, and correctional services, according to a statement from Canada’s foreign affairs department. These individuals are believed to have been involved in violating Navalny’s human rights, administering cruel punishment, and ultimately contributing to his death.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly stated that Canada, in collaboration with its partners, will continue to exert pressure on the Russian government to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into Navalny’s death. The goal is to send a clear message that human rights must be unequivocally respected.
Following Navalny’s death, the Canadian government summoned Russia’s ambassador to demand a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his passing. Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died on February 16 under unclear circumstances while serving a 19-year prison sentence for “extremism” in a penal colony located in the Arctic. He was 47 years old. Navalny’s family and allies have accused the Kremlin of ordering his assassination, and several Western leaders have held Putin responsible for his death.
