Jailed Russian Opposition Leader Navalny Wins Top EU Prize

Jailed Russian Opposition Leader Navalny Wins Top EU Prize
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny shows the heart symbol from the cage, during a hearing at the City Court in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 2, 2021. Moscow City Court via AP
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BRUSSELS—Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who narrowly survived a poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin, was awarded the European Union’s top human rights prize Wednesday in a clear slap at President Vladimir Putin.

In awarding the Sakharov Prize to Navalny, the European Parliament praised his “immense personal bravery.” The 45-year-old activist fell ill from a nerve agent poisoning last year and recuperated in Germany, then was promptly arrested upon his return to Moscow and later imprisoned.