Could Russian President Vladimir Putin survive a potential backlash if his biggest opponent, Alexey Navalny, dies in prison? The United States and other western powers are adamant that Kremlin will be held accountable by the international community should he die while under detention.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Russia to protest the detention of Navalny and his allies while similarly expressing condemnation over the decades-long leadership and draconian rule of Putin
RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin will still find himself in a major crossroad should Alexey Navalny, his fiercest critic and his most formidable opponent, eventually dies in prison; it is either a breath of fresh air or a death note.
Last week, Navalny’s camp and personal doctors say his condition is critical, stating he "will die within the next few days" if proper medical procedures are not administered to him.
His conditioned deteriorated as a result of weeks of hunger strike.
It was also reported earlier that Navalny and his team were not being treated properly in their detention and that their cells were in poor living conditions.
In response, over a thousand people took to the streets of Russia to protest the detention of Navalny and his allies while similarly expressing condemnation over the decades-long leadership and draconian rule of Putin.
Yesterday, monitoring groups say more than 1,000 people were arrested in major cities due to what authorities say are unauthorized rallies.
Navalny, who the Russian public views as the chief opposition icon against Putin, was detained and imprisoned for two and a half years by authorities under the pretext of breaching parole conditions from a 2014 case he was involved, in which critics say are politically motivated.
Serious consequences
In an interview with the CNN, United States national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Washington will react should Navalny dies and added that Kremlin will be "held accountable by the international community" and they should expect “consequences.”
France, Germany, the United Kingdom, as well as a number of countries have also joined the US in expressing their alarm on the situation.
Likewise, more than 70 well known writers, artists and academics, have signed a letter calling on President Putin to allow Navalny receive medical care.
Moreover, around 11 Russian politicians have also signed an open letter to their chief executive, saying that he will be personally responsible for Navalny.
"You, the President of the Russian Federation, personally bear responsibility for the life of Alexey Navalny on the territory of the Russian Federation, including in prison facilities - [you bear this responsibility] to Navalny himself, to his relatives, and to the whole world," the group said.
However, Russia’s ambassador assured concerned parties that the Russian government will not let the acclaimed critic die in prison but commented that Navalny’s hunger strike is nothing but a stunt aimed “to attract attention.”
"He will not be allowed to die in prison, but I can say that Mr. Navalny behaves like a hooligan absolutely in trying to violate every rule that has been established," said Ambassador Andrei Kelin in an interview with the BBC.
Threat to power
Navalny’s failed assassination last year and succeeding arrest is only an indication that he was seen as a direct threat to Putin’s hold on power.
This, even as he recently approved amendments to the Russian constitution that will enable him to serve two more terms as President.
But just as Russia’s strongman thought he had finally suppressed his formidable foe; the people held the line.
Putin is one step away in fully solidifying his position as a lifetime ruler of the world’s second most powerful country.
However, the ensuing events that could lead to this circumstance is still an interesting thought to be seen; history and the Russian people will be the judge. (JT)
Tags: #Russia, #VladimirPutin, #AlexeyNavalny