German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the attempted poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, noted that there is even less freedom of expression in Russia today, and this is mainly caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine. “Many in Russia are afraid to express their opinion,” Scholz said in a weekly video message to fellow citizens on Saturday, Aug. 20.

“That’s why it’s so important these days to remember Alexei Navalny – still a brave man who upholds the principles that give Russia’s citizens a good perspective. It’s that it’s better to live in a democracy and a legal system,” he said. . explained the Federal Chancellor.

Scholz noted that Navalny barely managed to survive the assassination attempt and go to Germany for treatment. “At that time I was talking to him and I met a brave man who came back to Russia because he wanted to fight for democracy, freedom and the legal system,” Scholz said. The chancellor recalled that Navalny is now in a camp in a small cell and urged the Germans not to forget the fate of this Russian politician.