Coma 'Putin Opponent' Allowed in Germany but Russian Hospital Says "Can't Go"

Growing Suspicion of Navalny Poisoning Attempt
German Human Rights Group Proposed Transfer to Germany but Russian Hospital Refused
Diagnosis Not Disclosed... Family and Supporters Denied Access

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News] Aleksei Navalny

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] Germany has offered to provide treatment for Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who is in a coma, but Russian medical staff have refused the offer. Suspicions are growing that President Vladimir Putin's side attempted to poison Navalny, who is considered a political rival.

On the 21st (local time), the British daily The Guardian reported that Germany and France have offered to transfer Navalny to their countries for treatment, but the Russian hospital where Navalny is admitted has refused the transfer.

Navalny's spokesperson Kira Yarmysh stated on Twitter, "The Russian hospital staff refused the transfer because Navalny's health is not good," adding, "This is an attempt to kill Navalny." The Russian hospital where Navalny is admitted has reportedly not provided specific reasons for refusing the transfer.

Navalny lost consciousness and collapsed on a flight from Tomsk, Siberia, to Moscow the previous day. The plane made an emergency landing in Omsk, Siberia, and Navalny was transferred to a local hospital. It is known that Navalny consumed only tea at an airport caf? before boarding the plane and did not ingest any other food or drink. The hospital has not disclosed an official diagnosis. Given that Navalny is considered a political rival of President Putin, there are suspicions that poisoning was attempted through the tea.

In response to news of Navalny's critical condition, the German human rights organization 'Cinema for Peace' Foundation announced it would provide an aircraft to transfer him to a hospital in Berlin, Germany. Yarmysh demanded that Russian authorities not interfere with Navalny's transfer to Germany. She also criticized the Russian hospital, stating, "Leaving Navalny at the Omsk hospital without a diagnosis and without specialized treatment equipment is fatal." The Omsk hospital is also reportedly blocking access to Navalny's family and supporters.

Meanwhile, following these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a summit and pledged active support. President Macron said, "France is ready to provide all assistance related to health, asylum, and protection to Navalny and his family." Chancellor Merkel also stated, "If requested, we will provide support including hospital treatment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.