Moscow: Russia’s most prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny has died at the age of 47 after collapsing and losing consciousness at the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp, located north of the Arctic Circle. The Russian prison service reported that Navalny felt unwell after a walk and lost consciousness almost immediately. Despite resuscitation efforts, Navalny could not be revived, and his death was confirmed by prison authorities.

Navalny rose to prominence over a decade ago by criticizing President Vladimir Putin and the Russian elite for corruption and opulence. His death has sparked outrage among his supporters, who allege foul play. Russian authorities have stated that the causes of his death are being investigated.

The news of Navalny’s demise has drawn condemnation from Western governments, with many labeling it as another crime committed by Putin’s regime. The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death have raised suspicions of murder, with Navalny’s lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov pointing to harsh treatment in prison as a contributing factor.

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Navalny’s voluntary return to Russia in 2021, following treatment in Germany for a nerve agent poisoning, earned him admiration from Russia’s opposition. He had accused the Kremlin of orchestrating the poisoning, an allegation that was denied by Russian authorities.

Navalny’s fearless opposition to Putin’s system was well-known, with him famously stating in a 2011 interview that he was not afraid of the dangers involved. His death in custody has reignited concerns about human rights and political freedoms in Russia, and calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise are growing louder.