Shrouded in Mystery – Did Putin Play a Role in Alexei Navalny’s Sudden Death in a Russian Penal Colony?

Shrouded in Mystery – Did Putin Play a Role in Alexei Navalny’s Sudden Death in a Russian Penal Colony? –

Overview of Alexei Navalny’s death as per Russian authorities

According to Russian authorities, on February 17, opposition leader Alexei Navalny died of Sudden Death Syndrome in a penal colony. Sudden Death Syndrome is a broad term used to describe unexpected death from natural causes without prior symptoms.

As per authorities, Navalny was on a short walk when he felt unwell and collapsed. He did not regain consciousness and was declared dead on February 16. Aged 47, Navalny died in IK-3 penal colony in remote Kharp, northeast of Moscow.

Just to be clear: if you poison someone, fabricate charges against them, send them to an Arctic penal colony, put them in solitary confident for 307 days in three years, and then one day they fall over dead, you have still killed them.

#AlexeiNavalny RIP pic.twitter.com/CI7sVguVfV

— Pádraig Belton (@PadraigBelton) February 17, 2024

What is Sudden Death Syndrome?

As per the World Health Organization, Sudden Death Syndrome refers to sudden, unexpected natural death without warning signs. If someone appears healthy 24 hours before dying, it can be Sudden Death Syndrome.

Since SDS results from various health problems like heart issues or cerebral abscesses, symptoms depend on the cause. However, fainting, dizziness, and chest discomfort could occur, albeit subtly.

Risk factors may include alcohol use, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, substance misuse, or chronic disease.

Speculations about Navalny’s death circumstances

Per BBC UK, Navalny’s health worsened after 3 years in prison with limited medical care and 300 days in solitary confinement. However, he seemed healthy in court a day before death.

This follows Michael Carpenter, US Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, saying Navalny was in “punitive isolation for an unimaginable 27th time” on X date.

At a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said:

“Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn’t care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything – Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done.”

In December 2020, Navalny accused FSB agents of poisoning him. His lawyers reported worsening health in prison, including severe back pain, fevers, leg numbness, and hourly check-ups.

Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on @navalny's rights and we call for… pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ

— Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) February 15, 2024

Who was Alexei Navalny?

Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny was a Russian opposition leader, anti-corruption activist, lawyer, and political prisoner.

He led anti-government protests against Putin’s corruption and published investigative material on YouTube and social media.

In January 2021, Navalny was imprisoned. In March 2022, he received a nine-year sentence for alleged embezzlement and contempt.

The 2022 documentary “Navalny” covered his alleged poisoning with a nerve agent.

A medical expert commented: “While the exact circumstances around Navalny’s sudden death are unclear, the timing is suspicious given his high-profile criticism of Putin’s regime. A full, independent investigation is needed to determine if foul play was involved or if neglect contributed to his demise.”