(ETH) – Joe Biden has just warned Vladimir Putin that there will be “consequences” if a political rival, Alexei Navalny dies in prison. This follows the recent announcement by the US of sanctions against Russia for alleged election interference resulting in diplomats being removed from the US and Russia retaliating by removing US diplomats from Moscow.
US President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan gave a warning that Washington would not hesitate to strike back if Mr. Vavalny dies in prison. According to Express-News, Navalny’s doctors warn that his health is rapidly declining due to a hunger strike, that has resulted in the US government considering a wide range of responses.
Sullivan said: “Washington is looking at a variety of different costs that we would impose if Mr. Navalny dies.” Navalny has reportedly been on a hunger strike since March 31st after he claimed Russian guards are not treating him properly. Even the UK has stepped in with a report that revealed that the UK Foreign Office stated its concern over the health of Navalny.
A statement said: “The UK is deeply concerned about reports of the unacceptable treatment of Alexey Navalny and the continued deterioration of his health. “Mr. Navalny must be given immediate access to independent medical care. “We reiterate our call for his immediate release from his politically motivated imprisonment.”
Navalny has been a critic and political rival of Putin was arrested in January after returning to the country where he was jailed for two-and-a-half years and transferred to a penal colony on February 26th when he returned to the state.
