Russia: Putin’s Critic, Navalny Detained After Returning From Germany

• Navalny had alleged that he was poisoned by government agents an allegation the Kremlin has denied
• The EU has condemned his arrest and called for his immediate release

Putin critic Alexei Navalny has been detained after flying back to Moscow from Germany, five months after he was nearly killed by a nerve agent attack.

The activist, 44, was led away by police at passport control at Sheremetyevo airport.

Thousands had gathered at a different Moscow airport to greet his flight from Berlin, but the plane was diverted.

Read also: Russia’s Navalny Leaves German Hospital After 32 Days

Navalny blames Russian authorities for the attempt on his life last year. The Kremlin denies any role.

The opposition politician’s allegations have however been backed up by reports from investigative journalists.

News of Navalny’s detention prompted condemnation from the European Union, France and Italy, which called for his immediate release.

US President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming national security adviser echoed the call. “The Kremlin’s attacks on Navalny are not just a violation of human rights, but an affront to the Russian people who want their voices heard,” Jake Sullivan said.