Summary
Five European countries have accused Russia of poisoning opposition leader Alexey Navalny with a toxin from dart frogs. Lab tests confirmed the presence of the deadly toxin epibatidine in Navalny's body, leading to international allegations against Russia. The countries intend to report Russia for violating chemical weapons treaties.
Key Facts
- Five countries (UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands) say Russia poisoned Alexey Navalny.
- Poison epibatidine is found naturally in dart frogs and was identified in Navalny’s body.
- The countries allege Russia had the means and motive for the poisoning.
- Navalny died in a Russian penal colony in February 2024 while serving a sentence.
- The accusation will be reported to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
- Russia denies involvement and called for public presentation of test results.
- Navalny was a known critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- The poison can kill by causing severe effects like shortness of breath and seizures.
