Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died in custody at the "Polar Wolf" Arctic penal colony, where he was serving a 19-year sentence, according to prison authorities.
Navalny, 47, was a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and had gained international attention for his anti-corruption activism and opposition to the Kremlin.
Navalny reportedly fell unconscious and subsequently died after a walk at the penal colony, located about 1,900 km northeast of Moscow. The Federal Penitentiary Service of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District stated that Navalny felt unwell after the walk and lost consciousness shortly afterward. Despite attempts at resuscitation, he could not be revived.
His death has sparked outrage and condemnation from Western leaders, who have accused Putin and his government of responsibility. U.S. President Joe Biden labeled Navalny's death as the result of "something that Putin and his thugs did," echoing sentiments expressed by other Western officials.
Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, expressed skepticism about the official account of his death, stating that there was "almost no hope" that he was alive. Navalny's wife, Yulia, addressed the Munich Security Conference, expressing uncertainty about her husband's fate but vowing that those responsible would be held accountable.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Putin was informed of Navalny's death but has not publicly commented further on the matter. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Western leaders' reactions to Navalny's death as "absolutely rabid."
Navalny's movement and objectives are expected to persist despite his passing. His lawyer was en route to the penal colony at the time of his death, indicating ongoing legal efforts on behalf of Navalny's cause.
Navalny rose to prominence for his activism against corruption and government malfeasance in Russia. He had previously survived an assassination attempt involving poisoning with a nerve agent, which he attributed to the Russian government, though the Kremlin denied involvement.
The death of Navalny marks a significant loss for Russia's opposition movement and has renewed concerns about political repression and human rights in the country.
As Western leaders and supporters mourn Navalny's passing, questions linger about the future of dissent and democracy in Russia under Putin's leadership.