Jailed Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition politician, has died in prison, according to Russian state media, citing the Yamalo-Nenets regional prison administration. Navalny, who became Russia’s most prominent anti-establishment figure in recent years due to his harsh criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, led the Russia of the Future party and established the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). Russian state media stated that Navalny died of a blood clot at the Arctic prison colony, but the specific cause of death could not be determined immediately. Navalny’s lawyers have yet to confirm his death, and members of his team were on their way to the prison where Navalny was serving his sentence to personally verify jail authorities’ claim.
Navalny felt ill after going for a stroll and nearly passed out
According to a statement from Russia’s federal correctional service, Navalny felt ill after going for a stroll and nearly passed out. Medical personnel came immediately, and an ambulance team was dispatched. Resuscitation efforts were implemented, but they did not produce beneficial outcomes. Paramedics confirmed the convict’s death. The causes of death are being investigated,” the statement read. The opposition politician returned to Russia in 2021 and was reportedly held in solitary detention.
About 48 hours before Navalny’s death was reported, a post on his X account claimed that prison officials were “pleasing the Moscow authorities” by allegedly tightening his detention in the prison. “The Yamal colony decided to break the Vladimir record of fawning and pleasing the Moscow authorities. They just gave me 15 days in a punishment cell. That is, this is the 4th punishment cell in less than 2 months that I have been with them. They gesture [sic],” the post said.