Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, passed away on Friday after collapsing and losing consciousness at the penal colony where he was serving a lengthy prison sentence, according to the Russian prison service.
Navalny, known for his outspoken criticism of President Vladimir Putin and allegations of widespread corruption, rose to fame over a decade ago.
The Federal Penitentiary Service of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District reported that Navalny fell ill after a walk at the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp, located approximately 1,900 km (1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow.
Despite immediate medical attention and resuscitation efforts, Navalny’s death was confirmed by the ambulance team. The exact cause of death is under investigation.
Navalny’s return to Russia in 2021, after being treated in Germany for what Western tests identified as nerve agent poisoning, earned him respect among Russia’s diverse opposition. The Kremlin, however, denied any involvement in an attempt on his life.
