Protests, poisoning, prison: Inside the life of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny

Alexei Navalny, a prominent figure in Russian opposition and a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, passed away in custody, according to an announcement from the Federal Penitentiary Service. At 47, Navalny, who was facing a 19-year term on charges deemed by many as politically motivated, reportedly fell ill and collapsed following an outdoor walk, though confirmation from his associates is pending.

Previously transferred to a high-security facility in a remote area above the Arctic Circle, Navalny’s transition from a leading adversary of the Kremlin to the country’s most notable political detainee was marked by a series of significant events and legal battles.

Navalny’s journey began with his birth on June 4, 1976, near Moscow. He pursued an education in law and economics, eventually turning his focus towards activism and legal challenges against alleged corruption within state-controlled corporations and the political elite. His efforts led to the founding of anti-corruption initiatives, notably the RosPil project and the Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which aimed to expose corrupt practices among Russia’s powerful figures.

His activism wasn’t without repercussions; Navalny faced numerous arrests, charges, and convictions, which he and his supporters claim were orchestrated to silence his dissent. Notable instances include his embezzlement charges related to the Kirovles timber company and the Yves Rocher case, both of which Navalny dismissed as politically motivated. Despite legal hurdles, he remained a figure of significant influence, running for mayor of Moscow in 2013 and planning a presidential bid, though his candidacy was barred due to his legal troubles.

Navalny’s anti-corruption work continued to resonate widely, leading to mass protests and international attention, particularly following a poisoning incident in 2020 that nearly took his life. After recovering in Germany, he returned to Russia, only to be arrested and sentenced to additional time in prison on charges of embezzlement and contempt of court. Navalny’s condition and treatment in prison have been sources of concern, with reports of denied medical care and isolation, further highlighting his precarious situation.

In his final years, Navalny faced new charges and was transferred to the harsh conditions of a prison north of the Arctic Circle. Despite these challenges, he remained a symbol of resistance against corruption and authoritarianism in Russia, culminating in his untimely death, which his team is currently seeking to verify.

Throughout his life, Navalny’s activism, legal battles, and the severe response from the Russian state underscored the significant challenges faced by opposition figures in Russia, marking a saga of resilience and defiance against political suppression.