Navalny’s death casts a shadow on Putin

February 19, 2024

NEW DELHI – The world was shocked when news broke of the untimely death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. His passing marked a tragic end to a figure who had become a symbol of resistance against the Kremlin. As the world mourns Navalny’s death, questions about the role of Russian President Vladimir Putin in this incident have intensified, further highlighting the complex and contentious nature of Russian politics. Alexei Navalny was a prominent critic of the Russian government, known for his anti-corruption activism and his calls for political reform. His investigative work exposed high-level corruption within the Russian elite, earning him both admiration and disdain.

Navalny’s charisma and ability to mobilize supporters posed a significant challenge to the Kremlin’s authority. Navalny faced numerous obstacles in his quest for justice and political change. He was arrested multiple times, and in 2020, he survived an assassination attempt involving a nerve agent, which he and many international observers blamed on the Russian government.

The attack prompted widespread condemnation and increased calls for accountability. After recovering in Germany, he returned to Russia in January 2021 and was arrested, leading to widespread protests. The relationship between Navalny and Putin has long been adversarial. Navalny’s anti-corruption campaigns directly targeted Putin’s inner circle, challenging the status quo. The Kremlin, in turn, viewed Navalny as a threat to its authority and went to great lengths to suppress his activities.

While the Russian government has denied any involvement in Navalny’s poisoning, suspicions persist, fuelled by the history of similar incidents involving critics of the