- Title: Russian opposition activist says Navalny poisoning was “deliberateâ€.
- Date: 20th August 2020
- Summary: WASHINGTON, D.C. (AUGUST 20, 2020) (REUTERS VIA ZOOM) (SOUNDBITE) (English) VLADIMIR KARA-MURZA, RUSSIAN ACTIVIST AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FREE RUSSIA FOUNDATION, SAYING: "This is why international spotlight is very important. I was very heartened to see today strong statements today coming from both sides of the aisle in the United States Congress, from European Union leaders, just a few hours ago from the British foreign secretary. It's very important to keep the light switched on because it's obviously much easier to commit a crime in darkness than it is under the spotlight, and it's important that the spotlight stays on. As I know, again, from my own two experiences: international public attention can save a life, and it is the most important thing right now."
- Embargoed: 3rd September 2020 22:00
- Keywords: KREMLIN POISONING POLITICIAN RUSSIA RUSSIAN VLADIMIR PUTIN
- Location: WASHINGTON, D.C. USA; OMSK, RUSSIA
- City: WASHINGTON, D.C. USA; OMSK, RUSSIA
- Country: USA
- Topics: Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA009CS223IF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The suspected poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is likely part of a steady increase in poison attacks by Kremlin-connected security forces against critics of Russia President Vladimir Putin, said a Russian opposition politician who has survived two alleged poisonings.
"What happened to Alexei Navalny is a deliberate poisoning. I have absolutely no doubt about his. It's a deliberate poisoning directly motivated by his political activities over the years in the russian opposition. Alexei Navalny is one of the most prominent, effective, and powerful voices in opposition not only to the authoritarianism, but also to the corruption and nepotism to Vladimir Putin's regime. He has conducted many prominent, high-profile anti-corruption investigations into members of Putin's close circle," Kara-Murza told Reuters.
Kara-Murza believes attempts were made to poison him in 2015 and 2017. A German laboratory later found elevated levels of mercury, copper, manganese and zinc in him, according to medical reports seen by Reuters. Moscow denied involvement.
"Poisoning has become a favourite tool of the people who are going after political opponents of Vladimir Putin's regime," said Vladimir Kara-Murza, Vice President of the Free Russian Foundation, a Washington-based nonprofit that advocates for post-Putin Russian policy.
Navalny, a leading critic of Putin, was fighting for his life in a Siberian hospital on Thursday after drinking tea that allies said they believe was laced with poison.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said any poisoning would need to be confirmed by laboratory tests and that doctors were doing everything they could to help Navalny. He wished him a speedy recovery.
The Kremlin has denied settling scores with its foes by murdering them.
Kara-Murza told Reuters he believes the suspected poisoning may have been connected to Navalny's campaign of support for opposition politicians running in next month's regional elections in Russia, as well as the protests taking place in Belarus against a disputed election.
The international spotlight "can save a life," Kara-Murza said, adding that democracies in particular must maintain their attention on Navalny. "It's very important to keep the light switched on because it's obviously much easier to commit a crime in darkness." - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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