The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) condemns the Russian government’s murder of Alexei Navalny, a courageous Kremlin critic, anti-corruption activist, and Russian opposition leader. This disturbing case underscores Vladimir Putin’s continued erosion of human rights and the rule of law, both at home and abroad. The silencing of dissidents must not go unanswered. JBANC remains unwavering in its support for democratic principles and has long supported policies, including Magnitsky Act sanctions, to hold human rights offenders accountable.
Navalny’s killing is a stark reminder of the consequences facing dissidents who dare to speak out against Putin’s mafia regime, and represents the deepening totalitarianism in Russia. Like Navalny, freedom fighters such as Boris Nemtsov and Anna Politkovskaya have been martyred for speaking the truth about the Putin regime. Meanwhile, the Russian government has continued their immoral and illegal imprisonment of Vladimir Kara-Murza. JBANC calls on the Biden Administration to designate Kara-Murza as a hostage under the Levinson Act, and employ diplomatic means to ensure his safe return to the United States.
Putin’s bloodlust does not end at Russia’s borders. For nearly two years, Russia has waged a full-scale, imperialistic war against Ukraine – an invasion that began ten years ago with the occupation of Crimea and takeover of territories in eastern Ukraine. JBANC calls on Congress to stand with the people of Ukraine and act expeditiously to provide them the necessary aid to defend their homeland and end Russian aggression.
Our thoughts go out to Navalny’s family and supporters during this challenging time. The U.S. cannot afford to capitulate to Putin’s tyranny and must support the fight for freedom and democracy around the world.
###
Photo Credit: Michał Siergiejevicz
Caption: Oppositionist Alexei Navalny on a march in memory of politician Boris Nemtsov, who was killed in Russia (Date 29 February 2020)