Cross-posted from: https://feddit.de/post/9945444

Leonid Volkov was assaulted with a hammer and tear gas while in his car in Vilnius on Tuesday night, Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said.

The alleged assailant is unknown, as is their motive. Lithuanian police have been informed of the incident and are investigating.

Mr Volkov has lived outside Russia for some years for his own safety and served as Navalny's chief-of-staff until the opposition leader died suddenly in prison in the Russian Arctic last month while serving a 19-year sentence after being convicted of charges that were politically motivated.

Mr Volkov, 43, also faces various politically motivated charges in Russia.

He served as chairman of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation until last year when he resigned following the revelation he had signed letters calling for the European Union to drop some Russian sanctions.

Despite living outside Russia he has also made sure that the activism of Navalny and his team could continue.

"We will all work even more. And with even greater anger," his wife posted on social media.