Alexei Navalny accuses Putin for near-fatal nerve agent attack in 2020
Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Survives Assassination Attempt
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who Russian authorities said Friday died in prison, survived an assassination attempt several years ago that he said was orchestrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Navalny’s Fight Against Putin
Navalny led an opposition movement against Putin in Russia, often campaigning against the Russian president and criticizing the government for deep corruption among its top officials. Navalny, who was frequently arrested and imprisoned during his work, was sentenced to 19 years in prison in August 2023 for “extremism.”
The Nerve Agent Attack
In 2020, Navalny said in an interview with 60 Minutes that Putin attempted to have him assassinated through the use of the deadly nerve agent Novichok. In August of that year, Navalny collapsed during a flight and was rushed to a hospital. He was later transferred to a medical center in Berlin, where doctors found Novichok in his system.
“I said to the flight attendant, and I kind of shocked him with my statement, ‘well, I was poisoned and I am going to die’ and I immediately laid down under his feet,” Navalny said, describing his collapse.
“It’s maybe the most toxic agent invented by humans,” Navalny said, describing Novichok. He said the type he was infected with is a new version, and that it shows that Putin has been secretly developing more potent forms of the nerve agent.
Asked how he is certain that Putin was behind the poisoning, Navalny said that Novichok is a tightly controlled substance that only Putin would be able to use.
“Even for an oligarch, it’s impossible to get this Novichok. It’s not something that you can buy at the store even if you have millions, billions of dollars. Maybe more important, you cannot use it. You would kill yourself and everyone around,” Navalny said.
“Then, this huge coverup operation, there is no criminal investigation so far. If Putin is not responsible, why is there no criminal investigation,” he continued.
The Danger of Novichok
Novichok, developed in the Soviet Union, made headlines in 2018 when it was found in Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. Skripal and his daughter were hospitalized for weeks after they were found unresponsive on a park bench in the U.K.
Navalny’s Ordeal
After he was hospitalized in Russia, Navalny said officials blocked him from leaving. Navalny’s wife went public, accusing Russian authorities of trapping her husband in the hospital.
“It was a big fight, and they thought after 48 hours, the poison would be untraceable. And they just keep me there until the 48 would be gone,” Navalny said.
Berlin doctors found traces of Novichok in Navalny’s system, and a test ran on a water bottle in Navalny’s hotel room came back positive for the nerve agent, as well, Navalny said.
“I think for Putin, why he’s using this chemical weapon, to do both: kill me and terrify others,” Navalny said. “It’s something really scary for people to just drop dead. There are no guns, there are not shots, and in a couple of hours you just drop dead. And without any traces on your body. It’s something terrifying, and Putin is enjoying it.”
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What sanctions were imposed on Russia in response to Navalny’s poisoning?
T behind this, who is?” he added.
International Reaction
The alleged assassination attempt on Navalny drew international condemnation. Many countries and world leaders, including the United States and European Union, called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged Russia to be held accountable for the attack.
In response to Navalny’s poisoning, various sanctions were imposed on Russia by Western countries. The European Union imposed asset freezes and travel bans on Russian officials involved in the alleged attack, while the United States imposed similar sanctions as well as export controls on chemical and biological agents. The sanctions were aimed at pressuring Russia to cooperate with the investigation and prevent future attacks on dissidents.
Navalny’s Post-Assassination Attempt Activism
Despite the assassination attempt and subsequent imprisonment, Navalny continues to play an influential role in Russian politics. His team has been actively investigating and exposing corruption within the Russian government, releasing series of investigative reports and videos that have garnered millions of views.
Navalny’s activism and the support he receives both domestically and internationally highlight the growing discontent with Putin’s regime and the desire for change among the Russian population. Despite facing personal risks and challenges, Navalny remains committed to his cause and continues to inspire many who seek a more democratic and transparent Russia.
The Fight for Justice
Navalny’s survival of the assassination attempt has not deterred him from seeking justice for the attack. He has called on the international community to hold Putin and his government accountable for the crimes committed against him and other political opponents.
Navalny’s resilience serves as a reminder of the bravery and determination of those who stand up against oppressive regimes. His fight for justice and democracy resonates far beyond the borders of Russia, inspiring others to advocate for their rights and challenge authoritarianism.
As Navalny continues his battle, the international community must remain vigilant in supporting him and his cause. The attempt on his life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who fight for freedom, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are not silenced or forgotten.
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