The Russian Foreign Ministry considered the presence of foreign diplomats at Navalny's trial as an interference in Russia's internal affairs and an exposure of the West's attempts to curb Russia.
According to "Sputnik News," the foreign ministry commented on the calls for foreign diplomats to attend Navalny's trial: "They may be concerned about the fate of the millions that were pumped into illegal activities in Russia." Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced that it is not prepared to listen to or take instructions from abroad regarding the Navalny issue, according to Peskov, adding that the Kremlin should not be meddled with in internal affairs or pressured in the trial.
The Kremlin emphasized that, "if the head of European diplomacy visits Moscow carrying a strict message regarding Navalny, he will hear a stricter response from Lavrov."
It is noteworthy that the Russian judiciary postponed the trial of opposition figure Alexei Navalny to February 5, where he is accused of spreading "offensive" information. Navalny was arrested upon his return from Germany, where he was treated following his alleged poisoning in August, an incident that President Vladimir Putin is accused of being behind, despite Moscow's denials. He has been in solitary confinement for fourteen days upon his arrival as a preventive measure against COVID-19.
On the other hand, the foreign ministers of Germany, Britain, France, and Italy previously called for Navalny's release. Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek stated that he wants the EU to discuss potential sanctions. Additionally, the United Nations Human Rights Office called for Navalny's immediate release and adherence to due legal processes in line with the rule of law.
