Merkel's government calls for Nawalny's immediate release - "disturbing" reports on the state of affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has spoken out in favor of the release of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who is imprisoned in a labor camp.

Berlin - The federal government has now also called for the release of the Kremlin critic Alexej Navalny *.

"Mr. Navalny is now illegally and contrary to a decision of the European Court of Human Rights imprisoned in a prison camp," said a spokesman for the Foreign Office on Wednesday in Berlin.

That is why the Foreign Ministry is in favor of the 44-year-old's release, especially with reference to Navalny’s state of health.

"Our expectation is very clear that Mr. Navalny is to be released".

Navalny: Federal government is in favor of the release of the Kremlin critic - "worrying" state of health

The Kremlin critic was arrested immediately after his symbolic return to Russia * and sentenced to imprisonment in a prison camp.

Since then, the 44-year-old's health has deteriorated significantly.

Navalny reportedly complains of pain, severe cough, fever.

The opposition politician went on a hunger strike at the end of March to protest against his lack of medical care.

The Federal Foreign Office describes the developments as "worrying".

The foreign policy spokesman for the FDP parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Bijan Djir-Sarai, also spoke out in favor of Nawalny's release.

"Germany and the European Union must now increase the pressure on Russia much more," demanded the liberal.

Navalny: prison conditions are "worrying" - Amnesty International on criticism of Russia

The human rights organization Amnesty International also criticized the circumstances of Nawalny's detention and has called for his immediate release.

His imprisonment was "arbitrarily and politically motivated," said the Amnesty Secretary General in Germany, Markus N. Beeko, in Berlin on Wednesday.

"The conditions in the prison camp and his state of health are very worrying." The Russian authorities would have to give him immediate access to doctors whom Navalny trusts.

Navalny was poisoned with the Russian warfare agent Novichok * last year and only barely survived.

In Germany, the Kremlin critic was then treated in a Berlin hospital before he decided to return to Russia.

Navalny blames the Russian secret service for the poison attack.

(fd / AFP) * Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA