Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • The Independent

    Poisoning, shooting, imprisonment: The mysterious fates of Vladimir Putin’s critics and rivals

    by Alexander Butler and Gustaf Kilander Feb 16, 2024 5 minutes
    Source: AP

    Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has died in an Arctic penal colony after years of harsh treatment in the Russian prison system.

    But his death is only the most recent of a long line of Vladimir Putin’s critics who have been jailed, silenced or met brutal ends over the years. From poisonings, mysterious falls from windows and plane crashes, many of the Russian president’s foes appear to have been targeted.

    Follow live updates and reaction here

    Alexei Navalny has died in an Arctic penal colony (AP)

    While no cause of death for Navalny has been revealed, friends of the opposition leader are already accusing Mr Putin of “murder”. The Kremlin claims it has “no information” about what happened to him.

    Below, we look at some of the high-profile deaths and mysterious incidents involving those who have defied the Russian leader over the years.

    Alexander Litvinenko

    Alexander Litvinenko drank a cup of tea laced with polonium-210 and died in hospital a few weeks later (PA Media)

    “You may succeed in silencing one man but the howl of protest from around the world, Mr.

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from The Independent

    The Independent6 min read
    Londoners Struggle To See Alternatives To Sadiq Khan Just Days Away From Mayoral Election
    Londoners are going to the polls next week to decide if Sadiq Khan wins an unprecedented third term or if one of his 12 rivals will be given a chance to run the capital for the next four years. A week ahead of the vote on Thursday 2 May, a new poll
    The Independent2 min read
    Body Found More Than A Year After Argentinian Barman Vanished From Scottish Village
    The body of an Argentinian barman who “fell in love” with the Highlands has been discovered in Scotland more than a year after he vanished. Rodrigo Falcon disappeared in freezing conditions after leaving a nightclub in the Cairngorms mountain range a
    The Independent2 min read
    Why Is The UK Still So Cold Late April - And When Will It Get Warmer?
    With some parts of Britain reaching 22C this month, many will have felt that spring was on its way and a warm summer was just around the corner. But this week, temperatures dropped as low as -6.3C in Cumbria with most of the UK feeling chillier than

    Related Books & Audiobooks