Merkel says Navalny was attempted to be killed with a nerve agent
Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig i: Norsk bokmål Русский Українська
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday, September 2 that Alexei Navalny was attempted murdered with a nerve agent. She says there is no doubt that an attempt was made on Navalny’s life. According to the German newspaper Spiegel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador to explain the findings of the investigation. Alexei Navalny is the most famous Russian opposition figure. Killing him would attract a lot of attention and condemnation. Under President Putin, freedom of expression has been gradually curtailed.
Same nerve agent used against Sergei Skripal
Angela Merkel says there is unequivocal evidence that Alexei Navalny was poisoned. She goes on to say that “Russia needs to answer very serious questions” about the poisoning.
In March 2018, Sergei Skripal and his daughter were killed in England by the same poison. Investigations in England show that two Russian agents in the Russian military intelligence service (GRU) are suspected of being behind it.
As I wrote in an earlier blog, there are several times a critic of Putin has been attempted or killed. The list of victims is long, both when it comes to political opponents and journalists engaged in critical journalism.
Will never admit
In all likelihood, Russia will not admit to attempted murder this time either. Putin’s regime has a long tradition of denial, despite strong evidence.
The international reactions are strong and an even cooler relationship between Russia and Western Europe and the US can be expected after this.
Killings, arrests and persecution of opponents are characteristic of totalitarian regimes. Russia has long since taken a step in the wrong direction since Putin came to power.
Alexei Navalny is primarily known as Russia’s foremost critic of Putin’s regime. He is also known for being highly critical of and exposing corruption. Navalny has repeatedly revealed how Putin’s closest friends have enriched themselves.