Putin awards high rank to prison official following Navalny's death, critics suggest foul play

The information about the honor conferred on Valery Bojarinew was uncovered through a decree published on official Russian government websites. Bojarinew, who has been serving in the FSIN since July 2022, oversees the activities of the Main Operational Directorate (GOU) and the Main Directorate for Supporting Operational Units' Activity (GUODOP).

As indicated in the decree signed by Putin, the decision was made shortly after the death of Alexei Navalny, a notable Russian opposition figure who died in a penal colony.

Human rights activists from the group gulagu.net claim that Bojarinew 'fulfilled Putin's desire' by facilitating the elimination of Alexei Navalny.

Russian media disseminated the news of Alexei Navalny's death on February 16. A prison service statement indicated that Navalny became sick and fainted after going for a walk.

Alexei Navalny's family has yet been unable to view his body. His spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, informed that neither the deceased's mother nor his legal representatives were allowed access to the morgue.

On Monday, Yarmysh disclosed that Alexei Navalny's body will not be released for an additional 14 days.

Navalny's colleagues have accused the Kremlin of 'erasing traces' because several days after the death of the imprisoned opposition leader, the location of his body remains unknown, and the cause of his death is yet to be determined - The Guardian reported on Monday. Independent Russian newspaper "Novaya Gazeta Europa" has, however, learned that Alexei Navalny's body is currently at the morgue of the District Clinical Hospital in Salekhard. Sources report that a post-mortem examination had still not been conducted by Saturday.

Source: Wprost/The Guardian/Novaya Gazeta Europa