Calenda launches initiative for Navalny, PD jumps on board

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 17 - Centrist opposition party Azione (Action) leader Carlo Calenda on Saturday proposed holding a demonstration in Rome in memory of Russian regime opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison detention on Friday in circumstances that remain unclear.
    "People have gathered spontaneously throughout Europe" but in Italy "this has not been the case", said Calenda on X.
    "It is opportune that the pro-European and democratic political forces promote a joint initiative in Rome on Monday afternoon, when parliamentary work resumes," he continued.
    "We will be there," replied the leader of the centre-left opposition Democratic Party (PD), Elly Schlein.
    "To oppose a regime that kills dissent and freedom, in solidarity with those in Russia today who are arrested for dissenting against Putin and protesting over Navalny's death," she added. (ANSA).