On the second anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death in a Russian penal colony, a coalition of 15 OSCE participating states and Australia issued a joint statement condemning Russia’s human rights record and reiterating calls for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Navalny’s death.

Navalny’s Death and OSCE Response

The statement, delivered on behalf of countries including Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Czechia, expressed deep condolences to Navalny’s family and emphasized that the Russian authorities remain solely responsible for his death. The statement cited the February 3, 2026, ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which found that Russia was responsible for the inhuman and degrading treatment of Navalny in detention and for failing to respond adequately to his medical requests.

Officials from the participating states said the recent findings by the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Germany, and the Netherlands reinforce their demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Navalny’s death. The statement was issued on the second anniversary of his death, which occurred on February 16, 2024.

Human Rights Deterioration in Russia

The joint statement highlighted a significant deterioration in the human rights situation in Russia before and after Navalny’s death. Reports from the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation showed that the Kremlin has expanded its repressive tactics, including the misuse of national security legislation to silence critics.

According to the statement, harsh sentences have been imposed on human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and doctors. The statement emphasized that the legacy of Navalny continues to inspire brave Russian human rights defenders and independent civil society actors who work under ever-greater personal risks.

Political Detentions and Repression

Independent human rights monitor OVD-Info reported that more than 1,700 people are currently detained in Russia on political grounds, including Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russian captivity. Many of these detainees are imprisoned for speaking out against Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The statement cited the UN Special Rapporteur’s reports, which illustrate that political prisoners in Russia are often subjected to torture, denied adequate medical treatment, and placed in forced psychiatric detention. The OSCE states said the repression inside Russia enables its aggression abroad and that the Russian authorities must fully comply with their international obligations and release all political prisoners.

The joint statement also condemned the intensification of Russian state violence and aggression against the Ukrainian people. It stressed that the repression within Russia fuels its external aggression and that the Russian authorities must be held accountable for their actions.

The participating states reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international human rights standards and called on Russia to comply with its international obligations. The statement serves as a reminder of the ongoing concerns regarding human rights in Russia and the need for accountability for Navalny’s death.