Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a relentless critic of President Vladimir Putin, has died in a high-security prison colony located north of the Arctic Circle, Russia's federal penitentiary service said on Friday.
Navalny, 47, was serving a 19-year sentence on charges widely criticized as fabricated and politically motivated, aimed at silencing one of Putin's most vocal adversaries.
Navalny's anti-corruption efforts and his candid criticism of the Putin regime made him a symbol of resistance against governmental corruption in Russia. His death comes after a series of incarcerations and a notable poisoning incident in 2020 with a Novichok nerve agent, which he survived thanks to medical treatment in Germany. Despite the risks, Navalny returned to Russia in 2021, where he was immediately detained.
The circumstances of Navalny's demise were outlined in a statement by the prison service, noting that he became unwell and lost consciousness shortly after a walk, with efforts to resuscitate him proving unsuccessful.
"All the necessary resuscitation measures were carried out, but they did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict," the statement said.
International Reactions
The international community has reacted strongly to the news of Navalny's death, with various leaders expressing their condolences and concerns.
The European Union holds Russia responsible for Navalny’s death, EU Council President Charles Michel has said.
“Alexei Navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy,” Michel said in a post on X.
“For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. The EU holds the Russian regime solely responsible for this tragic death.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated he was "deeply saddened and disturbed" by the news, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the death of Russia's most prominent opposition figure.
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne commented on the tragic event, saying, “Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression,” highlighting the broader implications of Navalny's struggle against the Putin regime.
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the death of Navalny.
“He has now paid for this courage with his life,” said Scholz.
In a poignant response, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics termed Navalny's death as a brutal murder by the Kremlin, reflecting the sentiment of many who view Navalny as a martyr in the fight for a more transparent and democratic Russia. This viewpoint is shared broadly across the international community, with many leaders and organizations calling for accountability and transparency in the investigation of Navalny's death.
Russia's Response
The Kremlin has remained measured in its response, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that President Putin has been briefed on the situation.
Russian media reports the death was because of blood clot.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed immediate Western accusations as premature, claiming "there is no forensic examination yet, but the West’s conclusions are already ready".
Vladimir Dzhabarov, a deputy head of the foreign affairs committee in the lower house of Russia’s parliament, called it an accident.
“I think it’s an accident, it happens.”
“I don’t know what happened there - either a blood clot or some other disease. I think that medicine will establish the circumstances ,” he said.
As the world awaits more details on the circumstances surrounding Navalny's death, the incident has reignited concerns over the treatment of political prisoners in Russia and the lengths to which the state will go to suppress dissent. Navalny's legacy, marked by his fearless advocacy for justice and transparency, continues to resonate worldwide, prompting a renewed focus on human rights and political freedom in Russia.
