Press release

Russia: UK condemns arbitrary detention of Alexey Navalny

The UK has condemned the 30-day detention of Russian opposition activist Alexey Navalny, who was poisoned by Novichok in 2020.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Dominic Raab
• Published: 18 January 2021

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

It is appalling that Alexey Navalny has been detained on arbitrary charges. The UK Government calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

Mr Navalny is the victim of a nerve agent attack, and the Russian authorities should investigate and explain the use of a chemical weapon on Russian soil.

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Published 18 January 2021