Trudeau calls Putin a 'monster' following reports of Alexei Navalny's death

Reports of Alexei Navalny's death in a Russian prison are tragic and horrifying, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday, offering his condolences to the opposition leader's family and all who champion his pursuit of justice.

Reports of Alexei Navalny's death in a Russian prison are tragic and horrifying, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday, offering his condolences to the opposition leader's family and all who champion his pursuit of justice.

Trudeau described Navalny as someone who was "standing up with extraordinary courage for a better future for Russia and Russians."

He added: "We know how much that scares and continues to scare (Russian President) Vladimir Putin."

Speaking to a crowd at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Trudeau said there is no question Navalny knew this outcome "was always going to be a possibility."

Trudeau said in an earlier post on social media that Navalny, who crusaded against corruption in Russia, should never have been imprisoned to begin with.

"Let this be an important reminder that we must continue to promote, protect, and defend democracy everywhere," he said. "The consequences of not doing so are stark."

Trudeau is among international leaders and others opposed to Putin's rule who are voicing their admiration and support for Navalny's work and offering sympathies following the news.