'Truly powerful leaders do not assassinate opponents': Trudeau on Navalny's death

NEW DELHI: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to Ukraine, accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of assassinating his political opponent Alexei Navalny.

During a press conference in Kyiv, Trudeau, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Western allies said that "Putin pretends to be powerful, but truly powerful leaders do not assassinate their opponents."

Trudeau stated this in reference to the recent death of Alexei Navalny in prison.

Alexei Navalny was a prominent Russian opposition leader who tragically passed away on February 16, 2024, while serving time in a penal colony. He was known for his activism against corruption and his opposition to the government of President Vladimir Putin. Navalny's death sparked widespread mourning and protests across Russia, with many calling for accountability and justice.

Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has been outspoken about her husband's treatment and the circumstances surrounding his death.

She has accused Putin and Russian authorities of mistreating Navalny both during his imprisonment and after his passing, including allegations of coercing Navalny's mother and withholding his body from his family.

(With inputs from agencies)