The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations have condemned the arrest and detention of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. They have demanded Navalny’s immediate and unconditional release.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the foreign ministers and the High Representative of the European Union, described Navalny’s arrest and detention as “politically motivated”.

Navalny was detained earlier this month, when he returned to Moscow from Germany. He was treated in Germany, after being poisoned in a suspected nerve agent attack.

The opposition leader’s arrest has triggered demonstrations across Russia. The country"s authorities have detained protesters.

The G7 statement says, “We are also deeply concerned by the detention of thousands of peaceful protesters and journalists”.

It urges Russia to release them and guarantee people’s rights, including the right to freedom of expression.