Congressman Cohen Condemns Moscow’s Arrest Warrant for Yulia Navalnaya

WASHINGTON – In response to a court in Moscow ordering the arrest of Yulia Navalnaya in absentia, Congressman Steve Cohen, OSCE PA’s Special Representative for Political Prisoners, issued the following statement: 

“I strongly condemn Russia’s decision to issue an arrest warrant against Yulia. This is yet another example of the farcical nature of the justice system in Putin’s Russia. Yulia has committed no crime. The arrest warrant is an effort by Putin to eradicate opposition.  

“The United States and our allies must do everything possible to assist Yulia’s fight for democracy and prevent Putin and his regime from subjecting her to the same fate as her husband and countless others.” 

Background 

Yulia Navalnaya is the widow of Alexei Navalny. Mr. Navalny was murdered in a Russian prison for opposing Vladimir Putin and Russian oligarchs.

Shortly after his death, Yulia publicly accused Putin of killing her husband in a video message. Although the Kremlin currently denies any involvement in Alexei’s passing, Yulia continues to fight for justice and “beautiful Russia of the future.” She has assumed the advocacy role of her late husband, frequently meeting with human rights groups and senior Western leaders, including President Joe Biden.  

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