Russian opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, has died in prison, according to a statement released by the prison service in the autonomous district of Yamalia, as reported by the Russian news agency Interfax.
The agency reported that Navalny had felt unwell after taking a walk within his penal colony before subsequently losing consciousness. Despite attempts by medical staff to revive him, these were tragically unsuccessful.
The specific cause of death is currently under investigation.
Navalny's spokesperson, while not confirming the news earlier in the day, said on Friday night that it is "most likely true".
Internationally renowned as one of President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent political opponents and critics, Navalny was serving a 19-year term for "extremism".
He was incarcerated in the penal colony IK-3 in Chyarp, located in the Arctic region of Yamalia.
"The news of Alexei Navalny death is horrible, but it also shows that Putin fears nothing more than the dissent from his own people,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. “Putin and his friends fear nothing more than people that stand up, that speak up.”
“The world has lost a freedom fighter in Alexei Navalny. We will honor his name. And in his name we will stand up for democracy and for our values.”
