Alexei Navalny, Putin's opponent, is dead. What happened?

Alexei Navalny
Written by Gennaro Marchesi
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The news crossed borders with the speed of lightning: Alexei Navalny, an emblematic figure of resistance to the regime Vladimir Putin, there is no more. Detained for almost three years in conditions that have raised international questions and concerns, Navalny was a beacon of hope for many who yearned for change in Russia.

His death, announced by the Russian Penitentiary Service, has left an unfillable void in the heart of the opposition and raises disturbing questions about the circumstances that led to it.

Who was Alexei Navalny

Alexei Navalny, the voice of the opposition against the Kremlin, has left an indelible mark on Russian politics. His career was marked by a tenacious fight against corruption and for transparency, which made him one of the main opponents of Vladimir Putin. His arrest, which occurred in January 2021 upon his return from Germany, where he had recovered from poisoning, he sparked international protests and condemnation.

The charges against him, seen by many as politically motivated, led to a conviction that saw him spend the last few years behind bars, far from his family and supporters.

Here are some focal points:

  • Fight against corruption: Navalny has founded several organizations focused on fighting corruption, earning the support of a large network of activists across Russia.
  • Political opposition: Through his blogs and social media channels, he exposed scandals involving high-level figures, thus becoming a target for the government.
  • Arrest and charges: The charges of extremism and financial fraud have been widely criticized as an attempt to silence one of Putin's staunchest critics.

The circumstances of Alexei Navalny's death

The disappearance of Alexei Navalny he left a shadow of mystery and concern. According to the Russian Penitentiary Service, Navalny felt ill after a walk in the prison maximum security IK-3, located inside the Arctic Circle, thousands of kilometers away from Moscow. Despite the immediate interventions by medical personnel, every attempt at resuscitation proved in vain.

The official cause of death has not yet been announced, but government sources suggest a sudden complication due to a blood clot. This explanation, however, it did not allay doubts and speculation, fueled by years of tensions and accusations.

Alexei Navalny's life in prison

During the last years of his life, Alexei Navalny faced extremely harsh conditions in Russian prisons, culminating in transfer to IK-3, one of the most severe and isolated facilities of the Russian penitentiary system. Located in the frozen north, away from the eyes of the world, this prison is infamous for its spartan conditions and brutal treatment of inmates.

Navalny's lawyers and human rights organizations they repeatedly denounced the inhuman conditions in which he was held, highlighting how his health had been put at risk by a punitive prison regime and systematic medical negligence.

The last video of Alexei Navalny alive

Directly from his prison, a few days after his death, the video was released by the Sota.Vision Telegram channel

The political consequences of Alexei Navalny's death

The death of Alexei Navalny it is not only a personal tragedy, but also represents a crucial moment for Russian politics. Navalny has been the face of the opposition for years Vladimir Putin, challenging a system which many perceive as increasingly authoritarian.

His disappearance comes in a period of growing political tension, with the Russian presidential election on the horizon. Putin, in power since 1999, is preparing to seek a further mandate in a context in which the voice of the opposition has been significantly weakened.

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