Navalny was nearing prisoner swap before suspicious death in Russian custody, colleague claims
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Alexei Navalny was nearing a prisoner swap deal before his death, according to colleague Maria Pevchikh. He would be exchanged for convicted Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov.
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The deal would also involve freeing two US citizens held in Russia, though their identities were not specified.
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Pevchikh claims Putin pulled out of the deal at the last minute, not wanting Navalny to go free. The Kremlin denies being involved in Navalny's death.
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Navalny was serving a 19-year sentence on charges seen as politically motivated when he died in custody on February 16, 2023.
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Authorities initially refused to hand over Navalny's body to his family. His allies now seek to hold a public farewell later this week.