Putin Critic Alexei Navalny Dies in Prison: What We Know

Moscow: Alexei Navalny, Russia’s prominent opposition leader and fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, has passed away at the age of 47. The news, reported on Friday sent shockwaves through the international community, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding his death.

Authorities claim Navalny fell ill after a walk at the remote IK-3 prison colony in the Arctic, where he was serving a 19-year sentence for alleged extremism and embezzlement charges. While the Russian Investigative Committee has launched an investigation, the cause of death remains unclear.

Navalny’s death comes amidst a long history of persecution by the Russian government. He rose to prominence as an anti-corruption campaigner, exposing graft within the Kremlin. This led to multiple jail terms and, most notably, a near-fatal poisoning in 2020 with the nerve agent Novichok, which he attributed to Putin.

Western nations have swiftly condemned Navalny’s death, with many expressing suspicion about the official explanation. Norway’s Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, stated, “The Russian government bears a heavy responsibility,” reflecting the widespread concern regarding potential foul play.

Navalny’s lawyers remain uninformed about the details surrounding his death, adding to the growing uncertainty. As investigations progress, the world awaits answers about the true cause of this unexpected tragedy and its implications for Russia’s political landscape.