Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny discharged from Berlin hospital after poisoning
- Tests found the Kremlin critic was poisoned with Novichok nerve agent, but Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed such claims
- Navalny spent 32 days in hospital, and has to have physiotherapy to regain his motor skills, including full use of his left hand
A casually-dressed and tired-looking Navalny posted a picture of himself on a park bench on Instagram on Wednesday after the hospital treating him announced he had been discharged.
Russia’s Navalny opens up on slow road to recovery after being poisoned
The 44-year-old opposition politician said he planned to have physiotherapy and might follow treatment at a rehabilitation centre to regain his motor skills, including the full use of his left hand.
“After 32 days in the hospital, doctors decided that further recovery does not require inpatient care, but a normal life. Walking, spending time with my family. Immersing myself in a daily routine,” he wrote.
“My plans are so far simple: [go to] the physiotherapist every day. Possibly a rehabilitation centre. Stand on one leg. Regaining complete control over my fingers. Maintain my balance.”
He thanked doctors at Berlin’s Charite hospital for the treatment he had received.
His allies have said he plans to return to Russia one day, but Navalny made no reference to such plans on Wednesday.
The German government said tests in Germany, France and Sweden have determined he was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.
Novichok toxin used on Navalny ‘harder’ than previous forms, report says
Charite hospital said Navalny’s condition had improved sufficiently for him to be discharged from acute inpatient care.
“Based on the patient’s progress and current condition, the treating physicians believe that complete recovery is possible. However, it remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning,” it said.
Navalny was poisoned via water bottle at his hotel, aides say
Navalny received treatment at the hospital for 32 days, of which 24 days were spent in intensive care, it said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian authorities were pleased Navalny was recovering and said he was welcome back in Russia just like any other citizen.
