Russia’s Navalny challenged to a duel via Zolotov

Viktor Zolotov and Vladimir Putin Image copyright AFP Symbol caption Viktor Zolotov (left) used to paintings as Vladimir Putin’s bodyguard

The Head of Russia’s Nationwide Guard has uploaded a video difficult competition leader and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny to a duel.

Viktor Zolotov, who used to be Vladimir Putin’s bodyguard, promised Mr Navalny “payback” and said he could “make a juicy beefsteak out of” him.

Mr Navalny printed a video closing month alleging that National Defend leaders were corrupt – angering Mr Zolotov.

Mr Navalny is lately in jail for breaking anti-protest laws.

he is Russia’s such a lot outstanding opposition chief and has led nationwide protests towards the government.

Symbol copyright AFP Image caption Mr Navalny has led large anti-Putin rallies

Mr Zolotov condemned Mr Navalny’s allegations in Tuesday’s video, calling them “offensive and nasty lies”.

“No One has given you a top quality kick within the ass… I simply call you to a duel,” he said in a video revealed at the National Defend’s YouTube web page.

“I promise to make a juicy beefsteak out of you in precisely a few minutes.”

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Media captionHow the Russian state uses surveillance and propaganda to discredit opponents

Mr Navalny’s former marketing campaign chief Leonid Volkov mentioned Mr Zolotov had made some “very severe threats” – but also mocked his video, announcing he “will need to have forgotten” that the competition leader is in jail and can’t reply.

Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated he supported Mr Zolotov’s opinion, as a result of “libel need to be nipped in the bud”, however added that he didn’t assume the video counted as a bodily threat.

Human rights groups have accused Russia of cracking down on political warring parties and harassing political activists.

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