DISINFO: The alleged "poisoning" of Alexei Navalny could have been orchestrated by Western special forces
SUMMARY
The alleged “poisoning” of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny could have been orchestrated by Western special forces. Yesterday’s statement by German officials raises more questions than it answers. Our doctors have conducted a thorough examination and assure that there were no traces of poison in Alexei Navalny during the time he was on Russian territory. The Kremlin described the accusations against Moscow as hasty and unfounded. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed to a lack of information regarding the cause of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s claim that Navalny had been poisoned.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative on the Navalny poisoning, claiming that the Russian opposition leader could have been poisoned by the West. The narrative is similar to the case of Sergei Skripal, based on conspiracies, denials and fabrication in order to cover up Russia's responsibility. Russian propaganda has long been pursuing the claims that the Skripal case was made up to justify sanctions against Russia and was an example of Russophobia. The test results from the Charité – Universitätsmedizin hospital in Berlin indicate that the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned during his stay in Siberia (Russia). At the request of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, a specialist Bundeswehr laboratory carried out toxicological tests on samples from Alexei Navalny. The results of these tests have revealed unequivocal proof of the presence of a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group. Alexei Navalny was flown from Russia to Berlin for medical treatment on 22 August, exhibiting symptoms of poisoning. In fact, Alexei Navalny was the victim of an attack with a chemical nerve agent while inside Russia. The EU and German government, plus leaders of EU member states - France, Italy, Estonia - strongly condemned what seems to have been an attempt on Navalny’s life. Read similar disinformation cases alleging that the West has an interest in the death of Navalny to launch a new wave of sanctions against Russia and that only traces of alcohol and caffeine were found in Navalny’s blood.