From his prison cell in Siberia, opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza has raised concerns about a state-backed hit squad allegedly targeting opponents of President Vladimir Putin. Kara-Murza, serving a 25-year sentence for treason, spoke out against the recent death of Alexei Navalny and the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Russia.
During a court appearance via video link, Kara-Murza accused Russia's Investigative Committee of failing to properly investigate two poisoning attempts against him in 2015 and 2017. He claimed that a group of FSB officers, acting as a 'death squad,' were responsible for targeting political opponents of the Putin regime.
Meanwhile, another opposition figure, Ilya Yashin, serving a prison sentence for criticizing Russia's war in Ukraine, alleged that Putin was behind Navalny's death. Yashin expressed his determination to continue speaking out despite the risks he faces.
Navalny's family is currently seeking the return of his body for burial. His mother has filed a lawsuit contesting officials' refusal to release his body, with a closed-door hearing scheduled for March 4.
Navalny's widow and mother have accused the Russian government of stalling and attempting to cover up the circumstances of his death. They have called on Putin to intervene and allow them to bury Navalny with dignity.
The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the deaths and illnesses of opposition figures, including Navalny. Russian authorities have stated that the cause of Navalny's death remains unknown and have refused to release his body for further investigation.
The situation continues to unfold as the families of opposition figures seek justice and closure amidst ongoing political tensions in Russia.
