On December 17, 2020, a month before his return to Russia and his arrest, the Russian opponent met parliamentarian Jacques Maire, then appointed by the Council of Europe as rapporteur for the investigation into the poisoning of which he was a victim four months ago. In collaboration with LCI, Libération is publishing excerpts from this hearing.
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On December 17, 2020, Alexei Navalny met Jacques Maire, then a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in Berlin, exactly one month to the day before his return to Russia and his arrest. The elected European official has been appointed rapporteur for the investigation into the poisoning that almost cost the enemy his life, the aim of which is to “clarify the facts legally” and establish the responsibility of the Russian authorities. In a statement filmed in a hotel conference room, Navalny addressed in English the circumstances of the attack in the summer of 2020 and the role of the secret services in his life since his decision to run for office. Russian presidency and what he thinks Vladimir Putin, who has never mentioned his name publicly. Only four months after he came close to death, the enemy has regained all his splendor and enthusiasm. “We expected someone to be a little depressed. We saw a fighter, we saw a hyper-determined character, very physically present, very empathetic, accessible,” testifies Jacques Maire, who had “a block of granite” in front of him and was ready “not to make any concessions in his fight”.
With the consent of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Jacques Maire is publishing today, through Libération and LCI, the video of this hearing for public debate, “even if this was not intended”. “Documents of public interest for history,” comments the former MP, “also an opportunity for appreciation.” [à Navalny]. Because everyone who sees this video sees this man leaving the hospital who has just been poisoned and who says to himself: “Tomorrow I'll go into battle again.”
Three weeks after the death of Alexei Navalny in a prison beyond the Russian Arctic Circle, and as the flow of Muscovites paying their respects to him at the cemetery where he has rested since March 1 continues, the question remains work towards his future. On March 15, 2022, after the invasion of Ukraine, Russia slammed the door on the Council of Europe, of which it had been a member since 1996. “All appeals from Navalny and the Russian political prisoners, all identified crimes” until March 15, 2022 and still valid a year later, are still being processed, emphasizes Jacques Maire. It is not because we are leaving the Council of Europe that these bodies will be suspended or dissolved.” Unfortunately, it is no longer about working for the security or survival of Vladimir Putin's main opponent, but “for justice and justice, for him as well as for them Others, a certain number of procedures can be completed.” with or without the participation of the Russians. So that justice and especially European justice is done before history, before the Russians.”
To watch the interview in full, click here.