Putin did not order Navalny's killing, says US intel: WSJ
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The CIA, the National Intelligence Directorate of the US, and the intelligence unit of the Department of State also supported the intel sources.
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Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny listens to a question during an interview at the Echo Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) radio station in Moscow, Russia, Monday, April 8, 2013. (AP)
Citing US intelligence sources, The Wall Street Journal reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not order the killing of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny in February, after an investigation was conducted into his death.
According to the report, the CIA, the National Intelligence Directorate of the US, and the intelligence unit of the Department of State also supported the view of the US intel sources.
After Navalny's death on February 16, the US and Europe took no time to spare and jumped the gun by accusing Putin of his death.
"But make no mistake — make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. Putin is responsible," Biden said that day.
Read next: Death of Navalny solely Russia's own affairs: Chinese MFA
Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel stated that the European Union holds Russia accountable for the death of Navalny and conveyed condolences to his family.
"The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death. I extend my deepest condolences to his family," Michel said in a post on X.
Alexei @navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 16, 2024
The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death.
I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around…
Navalny passed away in a prison located in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area, according to an announcement from the regional office of the Federal Penitentiary Service. Russian authorities confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the causes of his death.
He was a prominent Russian opposition politician who gained international recognition for his campaign on alleged corruption within the Russian government.
On March 22, 2022, Navalny was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to ten years in prison. In August 2023, Navalny received a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges.
By then, the 47-year-old was already serving multiple sentences for fraud, embezzlement, contempt of court, and probation violation. Navalny maintained his innocence on all counts.
It was also revealed in November 2023 that he had collaborated with Western agencies to spread anti-Russian propaganda online.
