Russian Police Detain People at Navalny Memorial Event | VOA News

At least 177 people were detained at events in Russia Friday and Saturday in memory of Alexey Navalny, who died Friday, according to rights group OVD-Info. “During 37 months of detention, Navalny spent 296 days in a brutal punishment cell,” the statement said. “In such conditions, there was no need to poison or kill through violent means — they simply had to wait.” U.S. President Joe Biden reacted Friday to the news of Navalny’s death, by directly blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin and using the death to scold the U.S. House of Representatives for holding up funding for Ukraine. Russian prison officials say Navalny, a fierce foe of the Russian president, died in the Russian Arctic labor camp where he was imprisoned. The official statement has not been independently confirmed. » Subscribe to VOA News: » Watch more VOA News video: Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: » FOLLOW US ON THREADS: @voanews #news #voanews