MOSCOW, Russia – The widow of prominent Putin critic Alexei Navalny claims he was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok, raising suspicions of foul play in his death. Yulia Navalnaya alleges that authorities are delaying the release of Navalny’s body in an attempt to allow traces of the deadly toxin to disappear. As she vows to reveal the names of his killers, the Kremlin’s involvement in Navalny’s death is being called into question.
Navalny’s body is reported to be at a morgue in a Russian hospital, but his mother and lawyers have been denied access, adding to the growing suspicions surrounding his death. The delay in releasing his body is being condemned as an attempt to cover up the potential crime.
Meanwhile, international response to the news of Navalny’s death has been swift. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron of the UK has expressed the expectation of fresh sanctions against individuals involved in Navalny’s death, and the EU is considering imposing sanctions on Russia. In addition, several European countries have summoned Russian ambassadors in response to Navalny’s death.
The allegations of poisoning and the subsequent delay in releasing Navalny’s body have sparked widespread outrage and calls for an independent international investigation into the circumstances of his death. Navalny’s supporters have been detained in Russia as they pay their respects to the late opposition leader, further escalating tensions between the Russian government and its critics.
As the world waits for answers, the calls for justice for Alexei Navalny’s death are only growing louder. The circumstances surrounding his passing have reignited concerns about the state of dissent and political opposition in Russia.