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Putin critic Alexei Navalny dies in Arctic Circle jail, says Russia

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Alexei Navalny, the prominent opposition figure in Russia, has tragically passed away in a jail located in the Arctic Circle, according to the prison service. Navalny, who had been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism that many believed to be politically motivated. His death has sparked outrage and accusations of foul play from his allies and supporters.

Navalny’s wife, Yulia, has called on the international community to hold the Russian regime accountable for his death. His close ally, Ivan Zhdanov, has suggested that Navalny may have been murdered, a sentiment echoed by many who oppose Putin’s government.

Navalny’s sudden decline in health occurred shortly after a walk, according to the prison service. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Navalny could not be revived.

In response to Navalny’s death, there have been calls for protests in Russia, although authorities have warned against participating in such demonstrations. Several individuals have already been detained in various cities.

Navalny’s death has drawn condemnation from leaders around the world, with many pointing fingers at Putin’s government for its alleged role in his demise. US President Joe Biden, among others, has held Putin responsible for what he called “proof of Putin’s brutality.”

Navalny’s journey as an opposition figure in Russia has been marked by challenges and dangers, including a poisoning incident in August 2020 with a nerve agent. Despite facing multiple obstacles, Navalny remained determined to challenge Putin’s rule, even as his health deteriorated and he endured harsh conditions in prison.

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Vladimir Kara-Murza: Fears for Russian activist after secretive jail move

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A lawyer representing Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was imprisoned on treason charges for criticizing the war in Ukraine, has disclosed that he has been relocated to another prison in Siberia’s Omsk region. Concerns for his safety heightened when Kara-Murza disappeared from his initial jail, prompting UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron to seek clarity on his whereabouts. Russian prison transfers are typically secretive and can take weeks.

Previously held in a penal colony in Omsk, Kara-Murza’s lawyers revealed that he was moved to a different penal colony in the same region. The British national, sentenced to 25 years in April for spreading “false” information about the Russian army and alleged affiliation with an “undesirable organization,” had been an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin and had played a significant role in advocating for sanctions against Russian officials for human rights abuses and corruption.

Kara-Murza’s wife expressed deep concern over his transfer, emphasizing that there were no apparent grounds for it. She highlighted the gravity of the situation, as her husband had previously survived two alleged assassination attempts in 2015 and 2017 through poisoning. The British government, along with the US State Department, condemned Kara-Murza’s sentencing and described him as a target of Russia’s escalating repression campaign.

The UK government summoned Russia’s ambassador and pledged to explore measures against those responsible for his detention and mistreatment. Kara-Murza, who holds British citizenship, received support from various quarters, including UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who demanded information about his whereabouts.

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Ukraine spy chief’s wife Marianna Budanova ill in suspected poisoning

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Marianna Budanova, the wife of Ukraine’s top spy, Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov, has been hospitalized for suspected poisoning with heavy metals, as confirmed by a Ukrainian intelligence source. The source did not disclose additional information about potential victims or the circumstances surrounding the incident. Several Ukrainian media outlets have independently reported similar information, suggesting that multiple intelligence officials may have been affected. Notably, Ukraine’s military intelligence has not officially commented on these reports.

Lt Gen Budanov, who leads Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, has been a pivotal figure in planning and executing major military operations against Russian forces following the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite the reports of poisoning, there is no indication as to whether Russia is believed to be responsible for the alleged attack.

Mrs. Budanova, born in 1993 in Kyiv, holds a master’s degree in psychology and has been involved in politics, previously serving as an adviser to the mayor of Kyiv. The reports suggest that she may have been exposed to heavy metals through poisoned food. Although the specific heavy metal involved has not been disclosed, sources emphasize that the substances are not commonly used in everyday life or military operations.

In the context of safety concerns, Lt Gen Budanov and his wife had been staying in his office since the February 2022 invasion, as mentioned in a September interview. Despite more than 10 reported assassination attempts against Lt Gen Budanov, there is no indication in the current reports that he has also been targeted. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are awaited as investigations unfold.

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