(ConservativeInsider.org) – Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has been spearheading a push for the United States to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in response to the death of Putin critic Alexei Navalny. Navalny passed away last week in a high-security prison in Russia, raising concerns about Russian involvement.
Senator Graham described Navalny as one of the bravest individuals he had ever met, emphasizing his courage in returning to Russia despite the known risks to his life. Graham blamed Putin for Navalny’s death, asserting that the Russian president had orchestrated the opposition leader’s murder.
During an interview, Graham proposed designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism to punish Russia for Navalny’s death. He revealed that he had discussed this proposal with Democratic senators, hinting at bipartisan support for the measure.
If Russia were to be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, it would join a list of countries, including Syria, North Korea, Iran, and Cuba. This designation carries significant implications, including a range of sanctions.
Graham indicated that legislation to add Russia to the list could be introduced early next week. He echoed President Joe Biden’s warning to Putin, emphasizing that Russia must face consequences for its actions.
The death of Navalny, 47, has intensified scrutiny of Russia’s treatment of dissenters and opposition figures. Navalny was previously targeted through imprisonment and poisoning, with a nerve agent found on his body in 2020, prompting global condemnation and sanctions against Russia by the Biden administration.
Navalny’s death comes ahead of a presidential election in Russia, where Putin is expected to extend his lengthy tenure/ Senator Graham’s proposal to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism has bipartisan support and could lead to increased tensions between the U.S. and Russia.
Notably, the republican Senator had previously advocated for a strong stance against Iran, urging the Biden administration to take decisive action in response to Iranian aggression.
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