Alexei Navalny once criticized “corrupt officials” living in London who were allegedly helping Vladimir Putin’s regime hide dirty money, Sky News has revealed.
In an unprecedented interview obtained by Sky News The late Russian opposition leader He spoke of his hope for a better future for his country – and the risks he knew he would take.
He made these comments in an interview four years before I met him Death in a penal colony North of the Arctic Circle.
He is considered one of the harshest critics President PutinNavalny collapsed and failed to regain consciousness on February 16.
The interview was conducted in February 2020 and is believed to be one of the last interviews Navalny gave in full health.
In August of that year, he was poisoned while returning to Moscow.
Alexei Navalny in an unbroadcast interview from 2020
The wide-ranging interview covers his hopes for a Russian future as part of Europe, his personal safety and some harsh words for Britain and the West when it comes to allowing Putin's lieutenants to get away with it.
“The West does nothing at all,” he says. “There are some ritual dances, but nothing really happens.”
“Why do corrupt officials still live in London? Because these corrupt officials feed a large number of brilliant lawyers in London.
analysis:
Navalny's interview is a damning indictment from beyond the grave
“These people, they will look very civilized, we will be happy to chat with them if they sit next to us, they will wear a tie and behave well, and at the same time serve the interests of absolute and complete bandits.” “.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office praised Mr Navalny's career as it exposed Russian corruption.
He added: “The UK has sanctioned 2,000 individuals, companies and groups under the Russian sanctions regime alone, while directly targeting Putin-linked elites in the UK through the National Crime Agency's kleptocratic anti-corruption cell. Corruption and plunder will never be welcomed on our shores.” “.
A vigil in Paris for Alexei Navalny. Photo: Reuters
Read more:
Russia denies allegations that Navalny was poisoned with Novichok
Who is Alexei Navalny's wife, Yulia?
In words that resonate even louder now after his death in prison, Navalny adds: “Russia is a European country, all the people who live here want to live like Europe.
“So, I hope that 10 years from now, if you interview me again, I will be able to tell you how we overcame corrupt money laundering.”
The interview, which was obtained by Sky News and broadcast for the first time, was filmed as part of an unaired documentary series called After the Fall, directed by Matthew Thorne and produced by Andrew Duncan.
