Leading opposition activist Alexey Navalny requests investigation, saying skin injuries were caused by chemical attack in Moscow jail

Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny has submitted a request to the country’s Investigative Committee saying that he was poisoned while serving a 30-day jail sentence for administrative violations. On July 28, Navalny was transported from his jail cell to a hospital due to what law enforcement officials initially called “an acute allergic reaction.” Doctors who had previously treated Navalny for injuries related to his activism said they struggled to gain access to their former patient but suspected at first glance that he may have been exposed to an unknown chemical substance. The physicians said Navalny was suffering from itching, lesions, and eye discharge but had no known allergies.

Navalny’s attorney, Vadim Kobzev, wrote on Twitter today that the politician’s representatives are asking investigators to prioritize actions that would establish the direct cause of Navalny’s injuries. Kobzev specified that he has asked investigators to conduct chemical identification tests and seize security camera footage from the cell where Navalny was held.

Navalny’s latest jail sentence was announced after the politician called on Moscow residents to protest outside City Hall in support of opposition candidates who have been prohibited from running for Moscow City Duma seats.