Minister Joly to meet with Yulia Navalnaya in Ottawa
News release
June 17, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will host Yulia Navalnaya, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Anti-Corruption Foundation and widow of former Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in Ottawa, Ontario, on June 18, 2024.
Minister Joly will have a high-level meeting with Ms. Navalnaya to discuss human rights in Russia and the challenges and risks faced by political dissidents.
Minister Joly and Ms. Navalnaya will participate in an informal discussion event to exchange perspectives on the role of Canada and the international community in supporting democracy and justice, advocacy for human rights, as well as Ms. Navalnaya’s resilience in the face of immense personal and political adversity, which has made her a powerful voice in the fight for freedom and justice.
During her visit to Ottawa, Ms. Navalnaya will also meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Quotes
“Yulia Navalnaya has been a strong and inspiring voice for the Russian people and those who have been fighting for their right to live in a free and democratic society without fear of reprisals and oppression. I look forward to welcoming Ms. Navalnaya to Ottawa and hear first-hand her experience in carrying on the legacy of her late husband in fighting for justice.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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On February 16, 2024, following multiple failed assassination attempts by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s thugs and years of cruel imprisonment, Alexei Navalny died after months of deteriorating health from poor conditions in detention. As a symbol of hope in the fight against abuse and tyranny, the news of his passing devastated millions around the world.
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On March 21, 2021, in response to Mr. Navalny’s poisoning and imprisonment, Canada sanctioned several individuals who participated in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia. In November 2022, August 2023 and June 2024, Canada announced sanctions against members of the Russian justice and security sectors, including police officers and investigators, prosecutors, judges and prison officials, as well as senior Russian government officials. These individuals have been involved in gross and systematic human rights violations in Russia against opposition leaders, including Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza and other Russian citizens.
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Ms. Navalnaya has been travelling around the globe to meet with world leaders and give speeches on the largest stages denouncing President Putin’s cruel regime and human right abuses.
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