Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison

February 16, 2024 1:16 PM

Navalny's death was subsequently confirmed by paramedics, with investigations into the exact cause of death currently underway.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia walk with demonstrators during a 2020 march in memory of murdered Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov in downtown Moscow. He suffered a life-threatening poisoning months later, in August 2020. [KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images]

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has tragically passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Arctic prison colony where he was serving a lengthy 19-year sentence, as confirmed by Russia's federal penitentiary service.

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According to the statement released by the service, Navalny reportedly fell ill after a walk, experiencing a rapid loss of consciousness.

Despite prompt medical attention from on-site staff and the arrival of ambulance personnel, resuscitation efforts proved unsuccessful.

Navalny's death was subsequently confirmed by paramedics, with investigations into the exact cause of death currently underway.

Navalny, a prominent figure in Russian politics and a fierce critic of the Kremlin, had garnered international attention for his anti-corruption activism and vocal opposition to the government of President Vladimir Putin.