Alexei Navalny, a stalwart of Russian opposition and a vociferous critic of Vladimir Putin, died in prison at the age of 47, according to the prison service.
Alexei Navalny became unwell after going for a stroll at Correctional Colony No. 3 on February 16, 2024, and quickly lost consciousness. Despite urgent medical intervention and resuscitation efforts, the emergency medical service pronounced him dead. Navalny’s parents and lawyer will be present in the correctional colony on Saturday morning, according to his associate Ivan Zhdanov.
President Joe Biden emphasised his “not surprised and outraged” reaction, directly blaming Putin for Navalny’s death. Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s wife, addressed leaders at the Munich Security Conference, appealing for international solidarity against Putin’s dictatorship and holding them accountable.
In a discussion with the Indian minister of external affairs, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised that, if the claims are correct, Russia is to blame for Navalny’s death, showing the flaws in Putin’s system. Western leaders’ remarks spurred the Russian Foreign Ministry to issue a defensive response.
Navalny’s alleged death sparked protests across Russia, with over 83 people detained in seven cities. Despite the Russian government’s declaration, Navalny’s spokeswoman indicated that they have no confirmation and will notify the public as soon as they receive more information.
Navalny, who has been detained in an Arctic prison camp since December, was a prominent figure in Russian politics, frequently compared to Nelson Mandela. His courageous exposés of Putin’s wealth elevated him to the status of a symbol of hope for Russia’s democratic future. The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death raise questions, especially given prior attempts on his life and the Kremlin’s efforts to crush his movement. The timing, less than a month before Russia’s elections, complicates the position.
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