“Open reward for torture and murder”: Putin promotes Navalny’s prison guard to general

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It was only a few days ago that the most famous contemporary Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny († 47), died unexpectedly. Since the news broke, numerous Western countries have blamed the Kremlin for the opposition figure’s death. Russian President Vladimir Putin (71) has not yet publicly responded to Navalny’s death. However, he caused a lot of criticism with a decision behind the scenes.

Because: On Monday, Putin promoted the deputy head of the FSIN prison authority, Valeri Boyarinew (53), to colonel general of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is evident from a presidential decree published by Russian media.

The delay caused widespread outrage among Navalny’s supporters. “Boyarinov was personally responsible for torturing Navalny,” Ivan Zhdanov, director of the Anti-Corruption Fund founded by Navalny, wrote on his Telegram channel. “This should be understood as Putin’s open reward for the torture and murder of Navalny.” Navalny’s team believes that anyone who does something against unwanted opponents will benefit the government.

The Kremlin denies a link

In July 2023, Boyarinew ordered that Navalny should not buy food and daily necessities from the prison store. Prisoners there are usually allowed to supplement their rations somewhat. The move is further evidence of the opposition politician’s intimidation, his supporters said at the time.

In addition to Boyarinew, three other correctional officers were promoted. Dmitry Peskov (56), spokesman for Vladimir Putin, denied any connection with Navalny’s death. Such shifts are “a normal phenomenon”.

Navalny is said to have collapsed on Friday while walking around the prison grounds of a prison camp in Siberia. Prison authorities said a blood clot was likely responsible for the sudden death. However, his body will remain locked up for at least fourteen days. Navalny’s team accuses the Kremlin of murder. (An)

Source: Blick