Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda stated that his country will investigate claims that Russian-Israeli businessman Leonid Nevzlin ordered an attack on Navalny ally Leonid Volkov. This marks the first public response from Nauseda regarding this controversy. Last week, Alexei Navalny’s team published an investigation accusing Nevzlin, an exiled billionaire and close associate of Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, of orchestrating Volkov’s beating in Lithuania in March. Nevzlin was also accused of organizing attacks against Navalny aide Ivan Zhdanov in Switzerland and the wife of economist Maxim Mironov in Argentina. Nevzlin has denied any involvement in these attacks, stating that justice will confirm the baselessness of the accusations against him.
Khodorkovsky, the former owner of Yukos, revealed that his investigative outlet, Dossier Center, had received information about Nevzlin’s possible involvement earlier this summer. However, the Dossier Center ultimately concluded that the evidence provided was insufficient to meet its investigative standards. Nauseda emphasized on Monday that members of the Russian and Belarusian opposition will be able to operate freely and safely in Lithuania, calling it an honor for a civilized, democratic nation. Lithuania is among several European countries where anti-war Russians have sought refuge since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Moscow Times, a news outlet facing challenges in Russia, highlighted the importance of supporting independent journalism in the face of repression. The Prosecutor General’s Office in Russia designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing its work and putting its staff at risk of prosecution. This followed an earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.” The Moscow Times’s journalists refuse to be silenced and continue to strive to provide accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. Readers are encouraged to support The Moscow Times to defend open, independent journalism in the midst of censorship and repression.
Overall, the accusations against Leonid Nevzlin have sparked interest and concern within the Lithuanian government, prompting President Nauseda to publicly address the issue. As Lithuania stands as a sanctuary for members of the Russian and Belarusian opposition fleeing persecution in their home countries, ensuring their safety and freedom of operation is a key priority. The role of independent journalism, exemplified by The Moscow Times, becomes pivotal in shedding light on controversial issues and holding those in power accountable. Supporting such outlets is crucial in maintaining transparency and upholding democratic values amidst adversities faced by journalists and media organizations.
