Several European countries summoned Russian ambassadors for talks

(Patria) - Several European countries, including Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Spain, summoned Russian ambassadors for talks yesterday, following the death last week of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, agencies report.

"The politically motivated trial against Navalny, as well as many other critics of the Russian government, and the inhumane conditions of his imprisonment show the brutality with which the Russian judiciary treats those who think differently, as well as the means by which President Vladimir Putin suppresses freedom of thought," the Foreign Ministry in Berlin announced.

In the same statement, the ministry demanded the release of all political prisoners in Russia from Moscow.

"Our respect goes out to all those brave citizens of Russia who, despite immense pressure, advocate for democracy and freedom," the statement further reads, adding that police in Russia are currently arresting "those who lay flowers in memory of Navalny" as well.