The presence of an Italian
representative at the funeral of Russian opposition leader
Alexei Navalny in Moscow sent a clear message in favour of
freedom of expression, democracy and the defence of human rights
in Russia, Foreign Minister and Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani
said on Friday.
"Today Navalny's funeral took place and I sent our chargé
d'affaires to lay flowers on the grave of the Russian opponent
to send a very clear message from Italy in favour of freedom of
expression, democracy and the defence of human rights in the
Russian Federation," Tajani told reporters at the foreign
ministry in Rome.
Earlier Italian Chargé d'Affaires in Russia Pietro Sferra Carini
said Navalny's death in detention in Russia on February 16 "has
shaken the consciences of global public opinion and served as an
admonition to the international community".
"I am here on the instructions of Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister Tajani because the Italian government stands by
those who fight for democracy, freedom of thought and the
inalienable rights of every human being. Today we are here to
pay tribute to the extraordinary courage of Alexei Navalny,"
added Carini after the funeral and burial.
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