Was Putin Behind Alexey Navalny’s Death?

Alexey Navalny, the opposition leader of Russia, suddenly died while he was serving his sentence in the Artic prison. Navalny, who was a fearless critic of Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, was a prime target for the Kremlin.

There were multiple murder attempts against Navalny before he suddenly died in the Artic prison. His family members say that the Kremlin killed him, while the government denies the allegation behind the death of Alexey Navalny,

The online survey app Real Research surveyed this, and here are the results. 

Highlights:

  • 57.14% believe that the Kremlin orchestrated the death of Alexey Navalny.
  • 48.08% think the medical staff was in cahoots with the Russian government during Navalny’s poisoning.
  • 47% think Putin would be re-elected as president.

79.32% of respondents were aware of Alexey Navalny’s death, while 20.68% were ignorant. As Navalny’s untimely death is obscure, Real Research asked the respondents what they thought about the death of the opposition leader.

57.14% of respondents stated that the government ordered Alexey Navalny’s death, while 42.86% stated that the allegations were unfounded.

Fig. 1: Opinion on  Alexey Navalny’s untimely death
Fig. 1: Opinion on Alexey Navalny’s untimely death

In August 2020, while onboard a domestic flight, Alexey Navalny fell unconscious all of a sudden. Navalny’s spokesperson stated that he was poisoned by a cup of tea that he had earlier. However, after being admitted to the hospital, the Russian toxicologist stated that they found no traces of poison in his body.

Nonetheless, after being airlifted to Germany for treatment, it was revealed that Navalny was poisoned. 48.08% think that the medical staff was in cahoots with the Russian government, 15.64% think it wasn’t the case, and 36.28% of respondents were unsure.

Fig. 2:  More than 51% agree Navalny’s detention was unjustifiable
Fig. 2: More than 51% agree Navalny’s detention was unjustifiable

After getting treated in Germany, the Kremlin ordered Navalny to report to Russia immediately. However, Navalny wasn’t medically fit to fly. When Navalny arrived in Russia, it was past the deadline, so he was detained and imprisoned. 51.98% thought that Navalny’s detention wasn’t justifiable, while 48.02% thought it was the government’s right to detain him.

67.28% believe that Navalny was taken into custody and detained with the ulterior motive of finally murdering. However, 32.72% stated that Navalny’s detainment wasn’t part of the conspiracy to murder him.

Fig.3: 47% of respondents think Putin will win the election
Fig.3: 47% of respondents think Putin will win the election

Meanwhile, Alexey Navalny’s death occurred with the presidential election in Russia around the corner. The presidential election in Russia will be held from March 15-17, 2024, and Putin is one of the candidates running for president. 47% believe that Putin will win the election, 20% don’t think he will, and 32.98% are unsure about the result.

Methodology

Survey TitleWas Putin Behind Alexey Navalny’s Death?
DurationFebruary 21 – February 28, 2024
Number of Participants5,000
DemographicsMales and females, aged 21 to 99
Participating Countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.