The Democratic Alliance (DA) sends its heartfelt condolences to Julia Navalnaya and the family of slain Russian democracy advocate, Alexei Navalny.
Navalny will be recorded in our history books for his unyielding bravery in the face of oppression and tyranny.
The Kremlin bears sole responsibility for this shocking tragedy. Mr Navalnyi now joins the ranks of former opposition leader Mr Boris Nemtsov – both killed for their unwavering willingness to champion human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
As Russia spirals deeper into a dictatorship void of rights and freedoms, Mr Navalnyi will be remembered by many Russian citizens as an icon in the struggle against the fledgling Putin regime.
That the ANC Secretary General was in Moscow fraternising with the enemies of freedom in the moment of Navalny’s death should send a resounding message to all South Africans as to where our government really stands.
The DA will continue to amplify South Africa’s voice on the world stage at the Munich Security Conference, reminding our allies that the ordinary people of this nation stand with those committed to preserving a rules-based international order, democracy, freedom and justice throughout the world.