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Attack on Navalny Aide Sparks Outrage and Investigation in Lithuania

Lithuanian police intensify efforts to probe assault on Leonid Volkov, former aide to Alexei Navalny, amid suspicions of Russian involvement.
ND
by News Desk
2024-03-13
Attack on Navalny Aide Sparks Outrage and Investigation in Lithuania

Lithuanian authorities are allocating significant resources to investigate the recent attack on Leonid Volkov, a prominent figure in the Russian opposition movement and a former aide to the late Alexei Navalny, according to Police Commissioner Renatas Pozela.

Volkov was assaulted outside his home in Vilnius on Tuesday, suffering injuries including multiple blows to the leg and a broken arm, as revealed in a video statement posted on Telegram. The incident has prompted outrage from the Lithuanian government and garnered widespread attention on social media.

Following his discharge from the hospital on Wednesday, Volkov vowed to persevere in the face of adversity, denouncing the attack as a "characteristic bandit hello" from allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Photographs shared by Volkov's wife, Anna Biryukova, depicted the extent of his injuries, which included a black eye, a bruise on his forehead, and blood-soaked clothing.

Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, alleged that Volkov was first targeted with tear gas before being struck with a hammer by an assailant. However, a suspect has yet to be identified in connection with the assault.

Lithuania's state security department has suggested that the attack was likely orchestrated by Russia, with intelligence services indicating that it may have been intended to disrupt Russian opposition projects.

Leonid Volkov, aged 43, has long been a key figure in Russia's opposition movement and was a close associate of Navalny. He left Russia in 2019 due to pressure from authorities and has faced multiple instances of legal persecution, including criminal charges and arrest warrants.

Despite the risks, Volkov remained active in advocating for political change in Russia, notably through projects aimed at mobilizing opposition sentiment and challenging Putin's regime.

As investigations into the assault continue, Volkov's supporters and allies remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing the cause of democracy and human rights in Russia.
Tagged:

Lithuania

Navalny

AssaultInvestigation

LeonidVolkov

RussianOpposition
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