Merkel: "Very Concerned About Navalny's Health... Pressuring Russia to Provide Treatment"

Navalny, on Hunger Strike Since the End of Last Month

German Chancellor Angela Merkel raised her bandaged hand after chairing a cabinet meeting in Berlin on the 13th (local time) and finishing the briefing. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed deep concern about the health condition of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny on the 20th (local time).

In a speech during a European Parliament video conference that day, Chancellor Merkel said, "The German government, along with other governments, is pressuring to ensure that he receives appropriate medical treatment."

Merkel also added that Russia is escalating tensions by reinforcing troops at the Ukraine border, and emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue on this matter.

Navalny, who was imprisoned immediately upon returning to Russia in January this year, has been on a hunger strike since the end of last month and is reported to be in a critical condition, potentially close to death. He has been transferred to the prison hospital.

Earlier, the White House urged humanitarian treatment for Navalny and reiterated calls for his release. Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, warned in a broadcast interview that the Russian government would be held responsible if Navalny were to die.