"Alexei Navalny’s condition remains serious a week after he fell into a coma. I express my sympathy to him, his family and friends, and I hope he will fully recover soon," said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović.
"Mr Navalny is a prominent Russian anti-corruption activist, blogger and public figure. Over and above the worrying aspects of this case on a personal level, its handling by the authorities will bear an impact on the environment in which activists committed to improving human rights, democracy and the rule of law operate.
Therefore, it is crucial that the Russian authorities carry out prompt, independent and effective investigations in order to shed full light on all aspects of this case, and particularly on the allegations of intentional poisoning.
This is owed not only to Mr Navalny, but to society at large. Dispelling all uncertainties about cases where activists’ lives are endangered is an essential component of the authorities’ obligations to protect freedom of expression and to ensure an enabling and safe environment for civil society activities."
