Russia has made new accusations against the imprisoned Kremlin critic Navalny. He is already serving a prison sentence of more than 30 years – now three years could be added.
The critic of the Russian leadership, Alexei Navalny, has reported new criminal charges against himself. He announced on social media that he had now been charged under Article 214 of the Criminal Code. This regulates vandalism.
“I have no idea what Article 214 is and I can’t look anywhere. You will know before I know,” he wrote in a post on Telegram published by his staff. “In fact, a new criminal case is initiated against me every three months. Rarely does a prisoner who has been locked in a solitary cell for over a year have such a lively social and political existence,” he mocked.
Convicted of extremism
The 47-year-old is serving a total of more than 30 years in prison in a penal colony. He was convicted, among other things, of extremism. Navalny denies the accusation.
In August, Navalny was convicted of new charges related to alleged extremist activity and sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 and a half years he was already serving. He denies all allegations.
Treated for poisoning in Germany
Rather, Navalny argues, the allegations are politically motivated and aimed at silencing his criticism of President Vladimir Putin and his government. He is the best-known figure in Russia’s fragmented opposition. Before his imprisonment, he initiated nationwide protests in Russia. His political movement was banned and close associates were imprisoned or fled abroad.
In 2021, he voluntarily returned to Russia from Germany, where, according to Western laboratories, he had been treated for nerve agent poisoning. He was immediately arrested upon his arrival. The presidential office rejects the accusation that it tried to have Navalny killed.
Tighter measures since the full invasion of Ukraine
Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Kremlin has once again intensified its actions against Navalny, his confidants and members of the opposition in general. Three of Navalny’s lawyers were also arrested in October.
Many well-known activists and opposition figures have now left Russia or are in prison. Thousands of Russians have been detained, fined or imprisoned for protesting against the Russian offensive.