Jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny was awarded the European Union’s top human rights prize on Wednesday for his efforts in challenging President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power. “He has fought tirelessly against the corruption of Vladimir Putin’s regime. This cost him his liberty and nearly his life. Today’s prize recognises his immense bravery and we reiterate our call for his immediate release,” European Parliament President David Sassoli wrote on Twitter. Navalny’s recognition with the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will likely heighten tensions between Russia and the European bloc. Navalny, 45, was allegedly poisoned with a nerve agent in August last year while in the Siberian city of Tomsk. Russian authorities had denied involvement. However, investigative reporters from The Insider and Bellingcat have named Russian security officers responsible for the incident. The EU has called for his immediate release and sanctioned six Russian officials for Navalny’s poisoning and …
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