EU Council, European Parliament to moot Navalny's arrest

European leaders have reacted to the detention of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny at Sheremetyevo Airport, who arrived in Moscow by plane from Germany.

Within half an hour of Alexei Navalny's arrest, EU Council President Charles Michel, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and European Parliament President David Sassoli made statements on Twitter.

The issue will be discussed by the EU Council at the level of foreign ministers on January 25 and at a meeting of the European Parliament on January 18.

Charles Michel said that Alexei Navalny's detainment upon arrival in Moscow is unacceptable and that Russian authorities should release him immediately.

Josep Borrell noted the Russian government must respect Alexei Navalny's rights and release him immediately. According to him, the politicization of the judiciary is unacceptable.