Alexei Navalny, Russian opposition leader, critic of Vladimir Putin dies in prison
Henrik Andersen
Prominent Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has passed away in prison, as reported by Reuters citing the Russian prison authorities. At the age of 47, Navalny was a leading adversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies. According to prison officials, Navalny felt unwell after a walk, lost consciousness, and despite attempts at resuscitation by medical staff, was declared dead. The exact cause of his death is currently under investigation.
The Kremlin has stated that it has no additional information regarding Navalny's demise, noting that President Putin has been informed. Navalny's spokesperson has yet to confirm his death.
Through his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), Navalny consistently criticized Putin and his circle, publishing extensive research on political corruption for years.
About Alexei Navalny (47):
Gained recognition as an anti-corruption activist
Among the most vocal critics of the Kremlin
Led the opposition since 2012
Poisoned with nerve agent in August 2020
Arrested in January 2021 facing multiple charges
His arrest led to widespread protests across Russia
Previously targeted in a poisoning incident
Navalny first made international headlines in 2011, playing a key role in protests against Putin, which saw tens of thousands of Russians demonstrating against alleged election fraud by Putin's party. These were the largest protests since Putin, a former KGB agent, took office in 1999.
In August 2020, he was poisoned with novichok by the Russian security service FSB, an attack that nearly cost him his life.
After recovering in a Berlin hospital, Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021, where he was immediately arrested, leading to another wave of massive protests. He faced multiple controversial charges.