Navalny wins EU rights prize for his “immense bravery”

BRUSSELS, OCT 20( REUTERS )- Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was awarded the European Parliament’s annual human rights prize on Wednesday for his efforts to challenge President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power.

Navalny, 45, who was poisoned in August 2020 by what Western nations said was a nerve agent, is serving a 2-1/2-year sentence for parole violations he calls trumped up.the EU has imposed sanctions on Russian officials over Navalny’s poisoning and imprisonment. “he has fought tirelessly against the corruption of Vladimir Putin’s regime. This cost him his liberty and nearly his life.today’s prize recognises his immense bravery and we reiterate our call for his immediate release,” the European Parliament said on Twitter, announcing Navalny as the winner.