Feb 15 • 00:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Epibatidine, the lethal weapon used to kill Navalny, from forests to secret labs

The article discusses epibatidine, a lethal neurotoxin believed to have been developed secretly by Russia and linked to the assassination attempt on Alexei Navalny.

The article delves into the history and application of epibatidine, a potent neurotoxin first discovered in 1974 by an American biochemist. The toxin is derived from a family of poison dart frogs known for their lethal properties. While initially discovered in nature, the article suggests that the substance has been processed and manufactured in secretive Russian laboratories for over two decades, raising concerns about the extent of chemical weapon development in the country.

The piece further investigates how epibatidine may have been used against prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned in 2020. This incident highlighted serious allegations regarding state-sponsored attempts to eliminate dissidents in Russia, underscoring the dangers faced by political opponents. The use of such advanced toxic agents suggests a sophisticated level of operational secrecy and moral ambiguity in geopolitical conflicts.

Finally, the implications of utilizing neurotoxins like epibatidine not only point to the ongoing risks faced by activists and opposition figures but also emphasize the need for international oversight regarding chemical weapons. Such developments provoke discussions on global bio-security standards and ethical governance concerning the use of biological and chemical agents in conflicts.

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