Independent labs in two countries conclude Alexei Navalny died from poisoning

Independent laboratories in two different countries have concluded that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died from poisoning, according to an announcement by his widow, Yulia Navalnaya.

“In February 2024 we managed to obtain and smuggle Alexei's biological materials abroad, which were delivered to a laboratory in a Western country. Several months ago I learned the results were ready, and now two laboratories in two countries have independently concluded that Alexei was poisoned,” she said in a video published on Navalny’s YouTube channel earlier today.

Ivan Zhdanov, former director of the Navalny-founded Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF), confirmed the investigation.

“Indeed, the biological samples were later taken out. How and when they were transported is a separate story — there were many real heroes who risked everything,” he said.

The ACF also managed to obtain photographs of the punishment cell in the IK-3 prison in the Arctic town of Kharp where Navalny died. According to blueprints reviewed by the ACF, all cells are equipped with several surveillance cameras, yet footage from Navalny’s final day has not been released.

Maria Pevchikh, a former colleague of Navalny’s at the ACF and the chairwoman of the organization's board of directors, commented on the images:

“This is the SHIZO punishment cell in Kharp prison, where Alexei Navalny died. The photos were taken just after his body was removed. He lay here on the floor, vomiting, screaming in pain. Instead of saving him, the guards left him, locked the bars and door.

These are horrific photographs. They show not only the place of his killing but also how Alexei lived in prison — always in punishment cells. A tiny, shabby room: on the table a mug, a notebook, a Bible, and a dictionary. On the floor, a hat and mittens. And nothing else. That’s how it was for years.”

The death of Alexei Navalny in the IK-3 prison above the Arctic Circle was reported by Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service on Feb. 16, 2024. The politician's family and associates are certain that he was murdered.

Russian government documents corroborate the conclusion that Navalny did not die of natural causes. In September 2024, The Insider released an investigation based on hundreds of official files related to Navalny’s death. Like the independent findings of the two laboratories, these documents indicate that the politician was poisoned in IK-3.