Alexei Navalny was set to be freed as a part of a prisoner swap when he died, one among his allies has mentioned,
The Russian opposition chief died at a penal colony inside the Artic Circle whereas serving a 19-year jail sentence on fees his supporters mentioned had been politically motivated.
His dying was introduced on 16 February.
An ally of Mr Navalny has mentioned the prisoner-swap talks had been of their “final stages” when he died.
In a video posted on the late Kremlin critic’s YouTube channel, Maria Pevchikh, who lives exterior Russia, mentioned: “Alexei Navalny could have been sitting here now, today. It’s not a figure of speech.”
Ms Pevchikh mentioned she obtained affirmation in regards to the talks simply someday earlier than Mr Navalny’s dying was introduced.
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She mentioned Putin “wouldn’t tolerate” Navalny being freed and determined to “get rid of the bargaining chip”. She has not provided proof to again up the allegation.
The circumstances of Mr Navalny’s dying stay unclear – however a number of world leaders, together with Joe Biden, have straight blamed Vladimir Putin and the Russian authorities.
Mr Navalny’s widow Yulia Navalnaya has additionally pointed the finger on the Russian president, claiming her husband might have been poisoned with novichok.
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied any involvement in his dying.
Ms Pevchikh mentioned Mr Navalny and two US residents held in Russia, whom she has not recognized, had been speculated to be swapped for Vadim Krasikov.
Krasikov is serving a life sentence in Germany for the 2019 killing of Zelimkhan “Tornike” Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian citizen of Chechen descent.
A Western official instructed Sky News associate NBC News: “No formal offer had been made, but early discussions involving an exchange for Navalny and US citizens were under way.”
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There are a number of US residents in custody in Russia, together with Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on espionage fees, and Paul Whelan, a company safety govt from Michigan, convicted of espionage.
Both males and the US authorities dispute the cost.
The German authorities has declined to touch upon a doable prisoner swap.
Source: information.sky.com”