Alexei Navalny during his trial in Moscow on February 20, 2021. – Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP / SIPA
The Russian prison authorities have decided to transfer Alexeï Navalny, on hunger strike for about three weeks, to a hospital for prisoners, they announced in a press release, published on Monday, judging despite everything the state of health of the “satisfactory” opponent.
“A committee of doctors (…) decided to transfer A. Navalny to a hospital unit for convicts which is located on the territory of the penitentiary colony n ° 3 of the region of Vladimir ”, indicated the prison service of this region in a press release.
“Consequences” for Moscow if Alexeï Navalny dies
“The state of health of A. Navalny is considered satisfactory at present, he is examined daily by a medical therapist”, he said. According to the same source, “with the patient’s agreement, he was prescribed vitamin therapy.” Alexeï Navalny, who announced that he had stopped eating on March 31 to denounce his treatment in prison and in particular the fact that he was not treated for severe back pain, had indicated on social networks that he was not consuming only water. According to him, he has also been threatened with force-feeding, an option the Russian authorities have if they refuse to feed a prisoner.
Monday’s announcements come as supporters of Alexei Navalny estimated this weekend that the opponent was in danger of dying at any time. The Europeans, “very worried” for the health of the Russian opponent, demanded that Alexeï Navalny be hospitalized. Germany and France have insisted on “adequate medical treatment” by doctors having “the confidence” of Alexei Navalny and demanded his immediate release. Washington warned on Sunday that there would be “consequences” for Moscow if Alexei Navalny died.