<p>One of the most prominent jailed Russian opposition politicians, Ilya Yashin, on Tuesday (Feb 20) said that he vows to continue fighting for democracy in Russia after learning about the death of his friend and colleague Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. He also accused President Vladimir Putin of killing Navalny while acknowledging that his life was also in the Russian leader’s hands.</p>

<h2><strong>‘I will fight tyranny’</strong></h2>

<p>“As long as my heart beats in my chest, I will fight tyranny. As long as I live, I will fear no evil,” Yashin said in a post on social media, communicated through his lawyer. He added, “Of course, I understand the risks I face. I’m behind bars. My life is in Putin’s hands and it’s in danger.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible</strong></p>

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<p>Yashin was an ally of Navalny and close to former Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov who was shot dead near the Kremlin while walking home across the Moscow bridge in 2015. The 55-year-old was a vocal critic of Putin’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We shared a common cause and dedicated our lives to making Russia peaceful, free and happy. Now both my friends are dead,” said Yashin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny’s death has sparked outrage across the world and raised fears for his allies, some of whom are imprisoned. Yashin learned about his friend and ally’s death in his prison near Smolensk in western Russia where he is serving his eight-and-a-half years sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In Putin’s understanding, this is how power is asserted – through murder, cruelty and demonstrative revenge,” said Yashin blaming Navalny’s death on the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Murdered’</strong></h2>

<p>Yashin, a long-time ally of Navalny and the former head of an opposition party was sentenced in December 2022, months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 40-year-old was sentenced for statements he made about war crimes allegedly committed by Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Bucha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia passed a law days after sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022 which criminalised “spreading false information” about the country’s armed forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-mother-urges-putin-to-release-body-immediately-692003">Navalny's mother urges Putin to release body 'immediately'</a></strong></p>

<p>“I don’t doubt that he didn’t just die but was murdered, and that the order to kill was given by Putin. His security services had already made an attempt on his life back in 2020, and they now have seen it through,” Yashin wrote to the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail on Monday (Feb 19).</p>

<p>The jailed Russian activist was referring to the time when&nbsp;Navalny was allegedly poisoned by a&nbsp;nerve agent in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian president has no “no moral or legal limitations” and each of their lives is in danger, he added. “I understand that. However, it doesn’t change anything for me. I find it to be beneath my dignity to be scared of a thug,” said Yashin.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin silent over Navalny’s death</strong></h2>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to say how the Russian president reacted to his main opponent’s death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-wife-yulias-x-social-media-account-suspended-692033">Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia's X social media account suspended</a></strong></p>

<p>Navalny, Putin’s most vocal critic, died on Friday (Feb 16) at the age of 47 after collapsing at the Arctic penal colony where he was serving a long jail term.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


One of the most prominent jailed Russian opposition politicians, Ilya Yashin, on Tuesday (Feb 20) said that he vows to continue fighting for democracy in Russia after learning about the death of his friend and colleague Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

One of the most prominent jailed Russian opposition politicians, Ilya Yashin, on Tuesday (Feb 20) said that he vows to continue fighting for democracy in Russia after learning about the death of his friend and colleague Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. He also accused President Vladimir Putin of killing Navalny while acknowledging that his life was also in the Russian leader’s hands. ‘I will fight tyranny’ “As long as my heart beats in my chest, I will fight tyranny. As long as I live, I will fear no evil,” Yashin said in a post on social media, communicated through his lawyer. He added, “Of course, I understand the risks I face. I’m behind bars. My life is in Putin’s hands and it’s in danger.” WATCH | Alexei Navalny death: Navalny’s body found with ‘bruises’ as West holds Putin responsible Yashin was an ally of Navalny and close to former Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov who was shot dead near the Kremlin while walking home across the Moscow bridge in 2015. The 55-year-old was a vocal critic of Putin’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. “We shared a common cause and dedicated our lives to making Russia peaceful, free and happy. Now both my friends are dead,” said Yashin. Navalny’s death has sparked outrage across the world and raised fears for his allies, some of whom are imprisoned. Yashin learned about his friend and ally’s death in his prison near Smolensk in western Russia where he is serving his eight-and-a-half years sentence. “In Putin’s understanding, this is how power is asserted – through murder, cruelty and demonstrative revenge,” said Yashin blaming Navalny’s death on the Kremlin. ‘Murdered’ Yashin, a long-time ally of Navalny and the former head of an opposition party was sentenced in December 2022, months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The 40-year-old was sentenced for statements he made about war crimes allegedly committed by Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Bucha. Russia passed a law days after sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022 which criminalised “spreading false information” about the country’s armed forces. Also Read | Navalny's mother urges Putin to release body 'immediately' “I don’t doubt that he didn’t just die but was murdered, and that the order to kill was given by Putin. His security services had already made an attempt on his life back in 2020, and they now have seen it through,” Yashin wrote to the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail on Monday (Feb 19). The jailed Russian activist was referring to the time when Navalny was allegedly poisoned by a nerve agent in 2020. The Russian president has no “no moral or legal limitations” and each of their lives is in danger, he added. “I understand that. However, it doesn’t change anything for me. I find it to be beneath my dignity to be scared of a thug,” said Yashin. Putin silent over Navalny’s death Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to say how the Russian president reacted to his main opponent’s death. Also Read | Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia's X social media account suspended Navalny, Putin’s most vocal critic, died on Friday (Feb 16) at the age of 47 after collapsing at the Arctic penal colony where he was serving a long jail term. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Will fight tyranny’: Jailed Russian activist Yashin vows to continue fighting after Alexei Navalny’s death

<p><strong>Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death:</strong> US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality".</p>

<h2><strong>A powerful voice for the truth (Joe Biden on&nbsp;Navalny's&nbsp;death)</strong></h2>

<p>Describing the&nbsp;Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that they do not yet know exactly what happened to the Russian opposition leader. However, he said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970">'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death</a></strong></p>

<p>"Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks.</p>

<h2><strong>Will the US respond?</strong></h2>

<p>The US President said that he was "looking at options" on additional steps to punish Russia. However, he did not elaborate further.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-putin-critic-and-russian-opposition-leader-dies-in-jail-690985/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Hailing Alexei Navalny's achievements, Biden said "Even in prison he was a powerful voice for the truth."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"God bless Alexei Navalny, his courage will not be forgotten," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reason of Alexei Navalny's death</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement,&nbsp;Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the opposition leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."</p>

<p>"Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added.</p>

<p>As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Taking to&nbsp;X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his demise&nbsp;within 24 hours, but&nbsp;no notifications have been made.&nbsp;His aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that Navalny's&nbsp;lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Joe Biden on Alexei Navalny Death: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Feb 16th) said he was "not surprised" by the reported death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Addressing the press at the White House, the American President blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny's death, and said that it was proof of his (Putin's) "brutality". A powerful voice for the truth (Joe Biden on Navalny's death) Describing the Kremlin critic Navalny as a "powerful voice for the truth", Biden said "He bravely stood up to the corruption, the violence and all the bad things the (Vladimir) Putin government was doing." Saying that he was "outraged", but "not surprised" by the news, Biden said that they do not yet know exactly what happened to the Russian opposition leader. However, he said that it was the fault of Putin and his "thugs". Also read | 'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death "Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," he said, adding "But make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. Putin is responsible." "What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks. Will the US respond? The US President said that he was "looking at options" on additional steps to punish Russia. However, he did not elaborate further. Watch | Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail Hailing Alexei Navalny's achievements, Biden said "Even in prison he was a powerful voice for the truth." "God bless Alexei Navalny, his courage will not be forgotten," he added. Reason of Alexei Navalny's death In a statement, Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the opposition leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." "Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added. As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Taking to X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his demise within 24 hours, but no notifications have been made. His aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that Navalny's lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death 'proof of Putin's brutality,' says US President Joe Biden

<p><strong>Alexei Navalny Death News:&nbsp;</strong>Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;has died in jail,&nbsp;as per reports by the state media.</p>

<p>Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had&nbsp;been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated&nbsp;in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle.</p>

<p>Reports of Navalny's death comes almost&nbsp;a day after&nbsp;Michael Carpenter, the US&nbsp;Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on X said that the Russian opposition leader has once again been "thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time".&nbsp;According to Carpenter, Navalny faced a 15-day stint in isolation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a>'s rights and we call for… <a href="https://t.co/DB3dzT70RJ">pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ</a></p>
— Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbOSCE/status/1758159512849039525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Reports of death yet to be confirmed</strong></h2>

<p>As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Even as the world awaits confirmation, the reports of his death have evoked shock and sorrow.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-opposition-politician-alexei-navalny-is-dead-reports-690945">Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>On X, <em><strong>Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov</strong></em>, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but&nbsp;no notifications have been made.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">В течение суток родственников обязаны уведомить, если это правда. Уведомлений не было. Никаких комментариев у нас кроме этих нет. <a href="https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0">https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0</a></p>
— Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioannZH/status/1758463748245790961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em><strong>Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov</strong></em> said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that the opposition leader's&nbsp;lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russian authorities publish a confession that they killed Alexey Navalny in prison.<br />
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We do not have any way to confirm it or to prove this isn’t true.<br />
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Navalny’s lawyer is on the way to Harp.</p>
— Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidvolkov/status/1758456557770101005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em><strong>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky</strong></em> during a press conference with&nbsp;German&nbsp;Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Navalny was "obviously killed by Putin".</p>

<p>"Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn't care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything - Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done," he said, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p><em><strong>United States Vice President Kamala Harris</strong></em> said her nation was&nbsp;working to confirm the reports of Alexei Navalny's death, adding that it would be a further sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutality.</p>

<p><strong><em>Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermak</em></strong> on X declared that Russian President Putin is "afraid of any competition," and that "the lives of Russians are nothing to him."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">putin is the ultimate evil who is afraid of any competition. The lives of russians are nothing to him.<br />
<br />
Everyone who calls for negotiations must realize that he cannot be trusted. The only language he understands is force.</p>
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndriyYermak/status/1758466812885217699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Calling it "terrible news," and a "huge tragedy," for the people of Russia, <em><strong>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak</strong></em>, in a post on X said, "As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life.<br />
<br />
My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy. <a href="https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh">https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh</a></p>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1758463245671690574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-life-of-defiance-and-mysterious-disappearance-690989">Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance</a></strong></p>

<p><em><strong>France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné </strong></em>taking&nbsp;to&nbsp;X&nbsp;to pay&nbsp;condolences on behalf of his country wrote, "Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Alexei Navalny a payé de sa vie sa résistance à un système d’oppression.<br />
<br />
Sa mort en colonie pénitentiaire nous rappelle la réalité du régime de Vladimir Poutine.<br />
<br />
À sa famille, ses proches et au peuple russe, la France présente ses condoléances.</p>
— Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) <a href="https://twitter.com/steph_sejourne/status/1758459000817877102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Condemning the death, <em><strong>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz</strong>, </em>during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky<em>&nbsp;</em>said that the Russian opposition leader paid for his courage with his life, and said Russia "is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now."</p>

<p>"Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives," he said.</p>

<p>"It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country," he further said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail</strong></p>

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<p><strong><em>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni</em></strong>, as per an AFP report, said that Navalny's death in prison&nbsp;was a warning to the world.&nbsp;"The death of Alexei Navalny during his detention is another sad page that acts as a warning to the international community," she&nbsp;said in a statement. She also offered her condolences and expressed a hope that "this disturbing event will be fully clarified".</p>

<p><em><strong>Charles Michel, the&nbsp;President of the European Council,</strong></em> called the death an "ultimate sacrifice".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alexei <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a> fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice.<br />
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The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death.<br />
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I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around…</p>
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1758461749747966150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em><strong>Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of&nbsp;Latvia,</strong></em> labelled the reported death a "brutal murder" and said: "Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Whatever your thoughts about Alexey <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navalny</a> as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends.</p>
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) <a href="https://twitter.com/edgarsrinkevics/status/1758456656730423305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting to the news,<em> <strong>former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi</strong>,</em> as she arrived for the Munich Security Conference, said, "I think we have to find out more, but in any case, it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy."</p>

<p>"It would be a horrible thing. Starvation, lack of care under prison conditions, is that what he died from or you think it was an affirmative act? I think we have to find out more, but in any case it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy. Period," she added, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK</strong></em> said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The bravery to speak out against a government completely comfortable with killing their opponents is truly unimaginable. Navalny’s bravery will inspire others. <a href="https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0">https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0</a></p>
— Josh Fenton-Glynn (@JoshFG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshFG/status/1758456350458147298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>How did Navalny&nbsp;die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason)</strong></h2>

<p><span style="font-size: 15px;">In a statement,&nbsp;Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the Russian leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."</span></p>

<p>"Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexei Navalny Death News: Alexei Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has died in jail, as per reports by the state media. Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle.

Alexei Navalny Death News: Alexei Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has died in jail, as per reports by the state media. Since December of last year, the 47-year-old Kremlin critic had been serving a 19-year term at a prison situated in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. Reports of Navalny's death comes almost a day after Michael Carpenter, the US Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on X said that the Russian opposition leader has once again been "thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time". According to Carpenter, Navalny faced a 15-day stint in isolation. Reports indicate Alexey Navalny has been thrown into a punitive isolation cell for an unimaginable 27th time. Navalny faces a 15-day stint in solitary confinement, adding to the 293 days he's already endured. We condemn this ongoing assault on @navalny's rights and we call for… pic.twitter.com/DB3dzT70RJ — Michael Carpenter, U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE (@USAmbOSCE) February 15, 2024 × Reports of death yet to be confirmed As of now, Navalny's team is yet to confirm reports of his death. Even as the world awaits confirmation, the reports of his death have evoked shock and sorrow. Also read | Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny dies in prison: Reports On X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but no notifications have been made. В течение суток родственников обязаны уведомить, если это правда. Уведомлений не было. Никаких комментариев у нас кроме этих нет. https://t.co/TWwUa53FH0 — Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) February 16, 2024 × Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov said that he was unable to confirm the death, adding that the opposition leader's lawyer was travelling to the site of the prison where he had been serving his sentence. Russian authorities publish a confession that they killed Alexey Navalny in prison. We do not have any way to confirm it or to prove this isn’t true. Navalny’s lawyer is on the way to Harp. — Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) February 16, 2024 × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Navalny was "obviously killed by Putin". "Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn't care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything - Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done," he said, as reported by Reuters. United States Vice President Kamala Harris said her nation was working to confirm the reports of Alexei Navalny's death, adding that it would be a further sign of Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutality. Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermak on X declared that Russian President Putin is "afraid of any competition," and that "the lives of Russians are nothing to him." putin is the ultimate evil who is afraid of any competition. The lives of russians are nothing to him. Everyone who calls for negotiations must realize that he cannot be trusted. The only language he understands is force. — Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) February 16, 2024 × Calling it "terrible news," and a "huge tragedy," for the people of Russia, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in a post on X said, "As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life." This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy. https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 16, 2024 × Also read | Alexei Navalny's life of defiance and mysterious disappearance France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné taking to X to pay condolences on behalf of his country wrote, "Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression." Alexei Navalny a payé de sa vie sa résistance à un système d’oppression. Sa mort en colonie pénitentiaire nous rappelle la réalité du régime de Vladimir Poutine. À sa famille, ses proches et au peuple russe, la France présente ses condoléances. — Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) February 16, 2024 × Condemning the death, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russian opposition leader paid for his courage with his life, and said Russia "is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now." "Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives," he said. "It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country," he further said. Watch | Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail × Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as per an AFP report, said that Navalny's death in prison was a warning to the world. "The death of Alexei Navalny during his detention is another sad page that acts as a warning to the international community," she said in a statement. She also offered her condolences and expressed a hope that "this disturbing event will be fully clarified". Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, called the death an "ultimate sacrifice". Alexei @navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice. The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. And to those who fight for democracy around… — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) February 16, 2024 × Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of Latvia, labelled the reported death a "brutal murder" and said: "Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime." Whatever your thoughts about Alexey @Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends. — Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) February 16, 2024 × Reacting to the news, former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as she arrived for the Munich Security Conference, said, "I think we have to find out more, but in any case, it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy." "It would be a horrible thing. Starvation, lack of care under prison conditions, is that what he died from or you think it was an affirmative act? I think we have to find out more, but in any case it is a horrible tragedy if it is so. But his imprisonment is a horrible tragedy. Period," she added, as reported by Reuters. Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others." The bravery to speak out against a government completely comfortable with killing their opponents is truly unimaginable. Navalny’s bravery will inspire others. https://t.co/WP9Hl6onx0 — Josh Fenton-Glynn (@JoshFG) February 16, 2024 × How did Navalny die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason) In a statement, Russia's federal penitentiary service said that the Russian leader Navalny "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness." They added that while "Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called," resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." "Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death

<p>The United States has voiced its alarm over the detention and subsequent transfer of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to an Arctic prison.&nbsp;Urging Russia to end "escalating repression" of dissidents, the US State Department said it welcomed reports that after two weeks Navalny has finally been located.</p>

<h2><strong>'Unjust Detention'</strong></h2>

<p>However, a State Department spokesperson said that they "remain deeply concerned for Mr&nbsp;Navalny's wellbeing and the conditions of his unjust detention."</p>

<p>Decrying the "malicious targeting" of the 47-year-old dissident, the spokesperson said that Washington joins Navalny's family and supporters "in calling for his immediate release, without conditions."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-moved-to-prison-in-the-arctic-673412">Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny moved to Arctic penal colony</a></strong></p>

<p>"We call on the Russian government to end its escalating repression of independent voices in Russia," added the spokesperson.</p>

<p>Navalny, as per Ivan Zhdanov, custodian of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, has been transferred from a facility east of Moscow to a desolate penal colony situated above the Arctic Circle.</p>

<p>During his time behind bars, Navalny has got visibly gaunt due to major weight loss. Zhdanov, as per news agency AFP, also painted a grim picture of the harsh conditions in the remote facility, and the limited contact with the outside world.</p>

<p>The State Department&nbsp;in its statement didn't mince words.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-considers-lowering-military-mobilisation-age-to-25-almost-two-years-into-war-with-russia-673603">Ukraine considers lowering military mobilisation age to 25, almost two years into war with Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have conveyed to the Russian government that they are responsible for what happens to Mr. Navalny in their custody, and the international community is watching closely," it said.</p>

<p>It also called out Moscow for holding "more than 600 other political prisoners."</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Navalny?</strong></h2>

<p>Alexei Navalny is a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The opposition leader has been incarcerated since 2021 on an array of charges, notably "extremism."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 47-year-old dissident is a formidable adversary to Putin, due to which he grappled with legal hurdles, including an archaic fraud charge that thwarted his participation in the 2018 elections.&nbsp;For the 'extremism' charge, in 2021, he was handed down a staggering 19-year prison sentence. Before that, he barely survived a poisoning attempt that he vehemently blames Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States has voiced its alarm over the detention and subsequent transfer of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to an Arctic prison. Urging Russia to end "escalating repression" of dissidents, the US State Department said it welcomed reports that after two weeks Navalny has finally been located.

The United States has voiced its alarm over the detention and subsequent transfer of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to an Arctic prison. Urging Russia to end "escalating repression" of dissidents, the US State Department said it welcomed reports that after two weeks Navalny has finally been located. 'Unjust Detention' However, a State Department spokesperson said that they "remain deeply concerned for Mr Navalny's wellbeing and the conditions of his unjust detention." Decrying the "malicious targeting" of the 47-year-old dissident, the spokesperson said that Washington joins Navalny's family and supporters "in calling for his immediate release, without conditions." Also read | Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny moved to Arctic penal colony "We call on the Russian government to end its escalating repression of independent voices in Russia," added the spokesperson. Navalny, as per Ivan Zhdanov, custodian of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, has been transferred from a facility east of Moscow to a desolate penal colony situated above the Arctic Circle. During his time behind bars, Navalny has got visibly gaunt due to major weight loss. Zhdanov, as per news agency AFP, also painted a grim picture of the harsh conditions in the remote facility, and the limited contact with the outside world. The State Department in its statement didn't mince words. Also read | Ukraine considers lowering military mobilisation age to 25, almost two years into war with Russia "We have conveyed to the Russian government that they are responsible for what happens to Mr. Navalny in their custody, and the international community is watching closely," it said. It also called out Moscow for holding "more than 600 other political prisoners." Who is Navalny? Alexei Navalny is a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The opposition leader has been incarcerated since 2021 on an array of charges, notably "extremism." The 47-year-old dissident is a formidable adversary to Putin, due to which he grappled with legal hurdles, including an archaic fraud charge that thwarted his participation in the 2018 elections. For the 'extremism' charge, in 2021, he was handed down a staggering 19-year prison sentence. Before that, he barely survived a poisoning attempt that he vehemently blames Vladimir Putin. (With inputs from agencies)

US calls out Russia over its 'malicious targeting' of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny

<p>Russian prosecutors on Thursday (July 20) requested a jail sentence of 20 years for Putin-critic Alexei Navalny. He is already in jail. Navalny is the most prominent critic of the Russian government and has denounced Russia's "senseless war" in his last statement to the court.</p>

<p>The case is being heard in court when Russia is more than a year into its full-scale offensive against Ukraine. After the invasion began, there was an unprecedented crackdown on the Kremlin's critics, many of whom are now in jail.</p>

<p>Navalny has been accused of links with extremist elements. It is expected that a verdict over the case would come on August 4.</p>

<p>As the prosecutors' announcement came, the European Union added the chief of the Russian prison camp holding Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to its sanctions list.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Why are Wagner mercenaries training near Poland?</strong></p>

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<p>Navalny's trial has been held behind closed doors at the maximum security prison where he is jailed. The IK-6 penal colony, where Navalny is being held, is some 250 kilometres east of Russian capital Moscow.</p>

<p>Navalny (47), who has in past mobilised massive anti-Kremlin protests is now serving a nine-year prison sentence on embezzlement charges. His supporters see this as a punishment for Navalny's political work.</p>

<p>He was arrested in 2021 on his arrival in Moscow from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning attack that he blamed on the Kremlin.</p>

<h2><strong>Navalny's health problems</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny has complained of health problems. He has also experienced major weight loss since being jailed in a strict regime penal colony.<br />
<br />
Prosecutors on Thursday asked for Navalny to serve his additional sentence in an even more restrictive, special regime prison.</p>

<p>Navalny faces charges of financing extremist activity, publicly inciting extremist activities and "rehabilitating the Nazi ideology," among other offences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His team has said that while Navalny has been the target of multiple lawsuits, the present case is first formal politocal case against him.</p>

<p>Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has cracked down on freedoms in Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-starts-firing-cluster-munitions-against-russian-forces-amid-criticism-617861">Ukraine starts using cluster munitions against Russian forces amid criticism</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia is "floundering in a pool of either mud or blood, with broken bones, with a poor and robbed population, and around it lie tens of thousands of people killed in the most stupid and senseless war of the 21st century," Navalny said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports say that thousands of Russians have been detained because they held protests against the Ukraine invasion. Most high-profile activists still in Russia like Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin are behind bars.</p>

<p>Navalny too has made his voice against Ukraine offensive heard from behind the bars. He communicates with the outside world through his legal team.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian prosecutors on Thursday (July 20) requested a jail sentence of 20 years for Putin-critic Alexei Navalny. He is already in jail. Navalny is the most prominent critic of the Russian government and has denounced Russia's "senseless war" in his last statement to the court.

Russian prosecutors on Thursday (July 20) requested a jail sentence of 20 years for Putin-critic Alexei Navalny. He is already in jail. Navalny is the most prominent critic of the Russian government and has denounced Russia's "senseless war" in his last statement to the court. The case is being heard in court when Russia is more than a year into its full-scale offensive against Ukraine. After the invasion began, there was an unprecedented crackdown on the Kremlin's critics, many of whom are now in jail. Navalny has been accused of links with extremist elements. It is expected that a verdict over the case would come on August 4. As the prosecutors' announcement came, the European Union added the chief of the Russian prison camp holding Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to its sanctions list. Gravitas: Why are Wagner mercenaries training near Poland? × Navalny's trial has been held behind closed doors at the maximum security prison where he is jailed. The IK-6 penal colony, where Navalny is being held, is some 250 kilometres east of Russian capital Moscow. Navalny (47), who has in past mobilised massive anti-Kremlin protests is now serving a nine-year prison sentence on embezzlement charges. His supporters see this as a punishment for Navalny's political work. He was arrested in 2021 on his arrival in Moscow from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning attack that he blamed on the Kremlin. Navalny's health problems Navalny has complained of health problems. He has also experienced major weight loss since being jailed in a strict regime penal colony. Prosecutors on Thursday asked for Navalny to serve his additional sentence in an even more restrictive, special regime prison. Navalny faces charges of financing extremist activity, publicly inciting extremist activities and "rehabilitating the Nazi ideology," among other offences. His team has said that while Navalny has been the target of multiple lawsuits, the present case is first formal politocal case against him. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has cracked down on freedoms in Russia. Also Read | Ukraine starts using cluster munitions against Russian forces amid criticism Russia is "floundering in a pool of either mud or blood, with broken bones, with a poor and robbed population, and around it lie tens of thousands of people killed in the most stupid and senseless war of the 21st century," Navalny said. Media reports say that thousands of Russians have been detained because they held protests against the Ukraine invasion. Most high-profile activists still in Russia like Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin are behind bars. Navalny too has made his voice against Ukraine offensive heard from behind the bars. He communicates with the outside world through his legal team. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia wants Kremlin critic Navalny in jail for 20 years

<p>Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic, has been jailed for 25 years on charges including treason over criticism of Russia's offensive against its neighbour Ukraine. The 41-year-old's high-profile trial is the latest in a string of cases targeting those critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin. As per AFP, the crackdown has worsened since Putin ordered Russian troops to begin a military offensive 14 months back.</p>

<p>Charges against Kara-Murza include treason, spreading "false" information about the Russian army, and affiliation with an "undesirable organisation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following a closed-door trial, he has been found guilty of all charges. The Kremlin critic has been sentenced to 25 years in a strict regime penal colony.</p>

<p>Here's all you need to know about Vladimir Kara-Murza:</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Vladimir Kara-Murza?</strong></h2>

<p>He is a historian, a journalist and an opposition politician. The Kremlin critic is a dual citizen and holds Russian and British passports.</p>

<p>Kara-Murza was a close associate of Boris Nemtsov, an outspoken critic of Russian President Putin,&nbsp;who was assassinated on February 27, 2015.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-critic-vladimir-kara-murza-charged-with-treason-by-russian-court-583272">Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza charged with treason by Russian court</a></strong></p>

<p>Nemtsov was a stringent critic of the Putin government, which he viewed as an increasingly authoritarian, undemocratic regime. He was killed after being hit by four bullets, which were reportedly shot from the back.&nbsp;In the weeks before his death, he had even expressed a fear that Putin would have him killed.</p>

<p>Vladimir Kara-Murza is also a known close associate of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former oligarch turned Putin critic.</p>

<h2><strong>Did Kara-Murza face any "assassination attempts"?</strong></h2>

<p>In 2015 and then again in 2017, the Kremlin critic suddenly fell ill. Both times,&nbsp;his condition worsened to the point of him slipping into a coma.&nbsp;As per the Guardian, he nearly died from kidney failure in the first attempt on his life.</p>

<p>Kara-Murza alleges that he was poisoned by the Russian security services. However, Russian authorities deny any involvement in the incidents.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-minister-meets-putin-says-willing-to-work-with-russian-military-to-have-close-communications-583151">Chinese minister meets Putin, says willing to work with Russian military to have close communications</a></strong></p>

<p>Reuters reports that even today Kara-Murza is suffering the effects of the alleged poisonings. As per his lawyers, the Kremlin critic is plagued by a nerve condition called polyneuropathy, which was triggered due to the said assassination attempts.</p>

<h2><strong>Did he flee Russia after these "attempts" on his life?</strong></h2>

<p>AFP reports that almost all of Putin's best-known political opponents and critics have either fled the country or, like another prominent Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny, are in jail; a fate that Kara-Murza now faces.</p>

<p>He is one of the small numbers of Putin's opposition politicians who remained active in Russia, even after the nation invaded its neighbour country and the resulting Ukraine war.</p>

<h2><strong>Kara-Murza's criticism of Putin and the Ukraine war</strong></h2>

<p>The politician has been a vocal critic of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the get-go. He even launched an anti-war committee with fellow leading Russian opposition figures.</p>

<p>Kara-Murza infamously described the Kremlin as a "regime of murderers."</p>

<p>In April 2022, appearing on CNN, he said: "I have absolutely no doubt that the Putin regime will end over this war in Ukraine, doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen tomorrow. The two main questions are time and price, and by price, I do not mean monetary – I mean the price of human blood and human lives and it has already been horrendous, but the Putin regime will end over this and there will be a democratic Russia after Putin."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;How important is cyber warfare in Russia-Ukraine conflict</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>When was he arrested? What charges were imposed against him?</strong></h2>

<p>Kara-Murza was arrested on April 11, 2022, on charges of disobeying police orders and faced up to 15 days in jail or a small fine. However, the arrest came hours after he referred to Putin's government as "a regime of murderers."</p>

<p>Subsequently, on April 22, 2022, he was charged by a Russian court for spreading "false" information about the Russian troops. The charges were reportedly imposed for his March 15 speech to the Arizona House of Representatives, in which he denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He was declared a "foreign agent" for his statement.</p>

<p>In July, new charges of cooperating with an "undesirable" foreign NGO were added, which comes with up to six years in prison. In October, for public speeches he made in Lisbon, Helsinki and Washington, he was charged with treason, a crime that carries up to 20 years in prison.</p>

<h2><strong>How did the Kremlin critic respond to the charges levied against him?</strong></h2>

<p>As per a copy of the speech Kara-Murza delivered to the court where he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, the Kremlin critic said he has done nothing wrong and that he was "proud" of his words.</p>

<p>"I subscribe to every word that I have said, that I am incriminated for today," he said as per comments published by veteran journalist Alexei Venediktov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Not only do I not repent for any of it — I am proud of it," he added.</p>

<p>"Criminals are supposed to repent of what they have done. I, on the other hand, am in prison for my political views. I also know that the day will come when the darkness over our country will dissipate," said Kara-Murza, who has described the entire case against him as being based on "political vengeance" and compared the proceedings to Josef Stalin's show trials of the 1930s&nbsp;— held between by the Soviet Union between 1936 and 1938. Defendants were Old Bolshevik Party leaders and top officials of the Soviet secret police,&nbsp;these trials&nbsp;are often seen as a great purge to rid of Stalin's opposition in the party.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic, has been jailed for 25 years on charges including treason over criticism of Russia's offensive against its neighbour Ukraine.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic, has been jailed for 25 years on charges including treason over criticism of Russia's offensive against its neighbour Ukraine. The 41-year-old's high-profile trial is the latest in a string of cases targeting those critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin. As per AFP, the crackdown has worsened since Putin ordered Russian troops to begin a military offensive 14 months back. Charges against Kara-Murza include treason, spreading "false" information about the Russian army, and affiliation with an "undesirable organisation." Following a closed-door trial, he has been found guilty of all charges. The Kremlin critic has been sentenced to 25 years in a strict regime penal colony. Here's all you need to know about Vladimir Kara-Murza: Who is Vladimir Kara-Murza? He is a historian, a journalist and an opposition politician. The Kremlin critic is a dual citizen and holds Russian and British passports. Kara-Murza was a close associate of Boris Nemtsov, an outspoken critic of Russian President Putin, who was assassinated on February 27, 2015. Also read | Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza charged with treason by Russian court Nemtsov was a stringent critic of the Putin government, which he viewed as an increasingly authoritarian, undemocratic regime. He was killed after being hit by four bullets, which were reportedly shot from the back. In the weeks before his death, he had even expressed a fear that Putin would have him killed. Vladimir Kara-Murza is also a known close associate of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former oligarch turned Putin critic. Did Kara-Murza face any "assassination attempts"? In 2015 and then again in 2017, the Kremlin critic suddenly fell ill. Both times, his condition worsened to the point of him slipping into a coma. As per the Guardian, he nearly died from kidney failure in the first attempt on his life. Kara-Murza alleges that he was poisoned by the Russian security services. However, Russian authorities deny any involvement in the incidents. Also read | Chinese minister meets Putin, says willing to work with Russian military to have close communications Reuters reports that even today Kara-Murza is suffering the effects of the alleged poisonings. As per his lawyers, the Kremlin critic is plagued by a nerve condition called polyneuropathy, which was triggered due to the said assassination attempts. Did he flee Russia after these "attempts" on his life? AFP reports that almost all of Putin's best-known political opponents and critics have either fled the country or, like another prominent Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny, are in jail; a fate that Kara-Murza now faces. He is one of the small numbers of Putin's opposition politicians who remained active in Russia, even after the nation invaded its neighbour country and the resulting Ukraine war. Kara-Murza's criticism of Putin and the Ukraine war The politician has been a vocal critic of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the get-go. He even launched an anti-war committee with fellow leading Russian opposition figures. Kara-Murza infamously described the Kremlin as a "regime of murderers." In April 2022, appearing on CNN, he said: "I have absolutely no doubt that the Putin regime will end over this war in Ukraine, doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen tomorrow. The two main questions are time and price, and by price, I do not mean monetary – I mean the price of human blood and human lives and it has already been horrendous, but the Putin regime will end over this and there will be a democratic Russia after Putin." Watch | How important is cyber warfare in Russia-Ukraine conflict When was he arrested? What charges were imposed against him? Kara-Murza was arrested on April 11, 2022, on charges of disobeying police orders and faced up to 15 days in jail or a small fine. However, the arrest came hours after he referred to Putin's government as "a regime of murderers." Subsequently, on April 22, 2022, he was charged by a Russian court for spreading "false" information about the Russian troops. The charges were reportedly imposed for his March 15 speech to the Arizona House of Representatives, in which he denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He was declared a "foreign agent" for his statement. In July, new charges of cooperating with an "undesirable" foreign NGO were added, which comes with up to six years in prison. In October, for public speeches he made in Lisbon, Helsinki and Washington, he was charged with treason, a crime that carries up to 20 years in prison. How did the Kremlin critic respond to the charges levied against him? As per a copy of the speech Kara-Murza delivered to the court where he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, the Kremlin critic said he has done nothing wrong and that he was "proud" of his words. "I subscribe to every word that I have said, that I am incriminated for today," he said as per comments published by veteran journalist Alexei Venediktov. "Not only do I not repent for any of it — I am proud of it," he added. "Criminals are supposed to repent of what they have done. I, on the other hand, am in prison for my political views. I also know that the day will come when the darkness over our country will dissipate," said Kara-Murza, who has described the entire case against him as being based on "political vengeance" and compared the proceedings to Josef Stalin's show trials of the 1930s — held between by the Soviet Union between 1936 and 1938. Defendants were Old Bolshevik Party leaders and top officials of the Soviet secret police, these trials are often seen as a great purge to rid of Stalin's opposition in the party. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WION Explains | Who is Vladimir Kara-Murza, the Kremlin critic jailed for 25 years

<p>On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada,&nbsp;at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog,&nbsp;called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.</p>

<p>Delegates said that as per the rules of the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Russia has to respond within 10 days to questions posed by the countries.</p>

<p>"Today, 45 States Parties, including Britain have informed the OPCW executive council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @navalny under Article 9 of the Convention," British delegates said in a tweet.</p>

<p>"Russia has 10 days to answer," they added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, 45 States Parties, including 🇬🇧, have informed the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPCW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPCW</a> Executive Council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navalny</a>, under Article IX of the Convention. Russia has 10 days to answer. Details will appear here: <a href="https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP">https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP</a> <a href="https://t.co/rhY3rk3HX5">pic.twitter.com/rhY3rk3HX5</a></p>
— UK Delegation OPCW (@UK_OPCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UK_OPCW/status/1445396570900422673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Canada and Germany also tweeted that they were part of the 45-country statement.</p>

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Despite repeated requests, there has been no investigation by 🇷🇺 into the attack on Alexei <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Navalny?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Navalny</a> with a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Novichok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Novichok</a> nerve agent. 🇨🇦 joins 44 other countries in taking the next step, asking 🇷🇺to clarify the circumstances of this attack under Article 9 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EC98?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EC98</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fki24JKrfW">pic.twitter.com/Fki24JKrfW</a></p>
— Canada in OPCW (@CanadaOPCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaOPCW/status/1445398887871700996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Case of Alexey Navalny: Today in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPCW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPCW</a> Executive Council several states including Germany demanded answers from Russia under a special consultation procedure. Russia must explain the finding of a prohibited chemical warfare agent.</p>
— Susanne Baumann (@GERMANYonUN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GERMANYonUN/status/1445407533921931266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory," said a portion of the statement quoted on the British delegation's Twitter account.</p>

<p>Western governments claim that opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with an old Soviet-era nerve agent, known as Novichok, last August in Russia.</p>

<p>After receiving treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia, where he is in jail now.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-preparing-new-russia-sanctions-over-navalny-poisoning-392792">US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning</a></strong></p>

<p>Western states have also called on Syria, a close ally of Russia, to allow arms inspectors in, saying Damascus is continuing to violate its obligations to the OPCW.</p>

<p>Many countries have called for the Russian government to provide more information about and clarify Navalny's poisoning.</p>

<p>However, the Kremlin has always denied involvement.</p>

<p>Vladimir Putin is directly accused by Navalny of being responsible for the attack. On his return from treatment in Germany, the opposition leader was arrested and jailed on old fraud charges.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-hits-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-with-new-charge-that-could-add-to-jail-term-404725">Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term</a></strong></p>

<p>The executive council of the OPCW, which has 41 member states, meets this week to discuss progress in eliminating chemical weapons, including taking action when member states do not comply.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Britain has said it will not relent in pressing Russia over the Novichok attack on&nbsp;Sergei Skripal,&nbsp;a former double agent in the English city of Salisbury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a result of the attack, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter were left battling for their lives, while the police officer investigating the case fell gravely ill. A local woman who was exposed to the nerve agent died later.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada, at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog, called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

On Tuesday, a group of 45 nations, including Britain, Germany and Canada, at OPCW, the global toxic arms watchdog, called on Russia to provide answers about the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Delegates said that as per the rules of the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Russia has to respond within 10 days to questions posed by the countries. "Today, 45 States Parties, including Britain have informed the OPCW executive council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @navalny under Article 9 of the Convention," British delegates said in a tweet. "Russia has 10 days to answer," they added. Today, 45 States Parties, including 🇬🇧, have informed the #OPCW Executive Council that they will formally put questions to Russia about the poisoning of @Navalny, under Article IX of the Convention. Russia has 10 days to answer. Details will appear here: https://t.co/hfvYMeEVwP pic.twitter.com/rhY3rk3HX5 — UK Delegation OPCW (@UK_OPCW) October 5, 2021 × Canada and Germany also tweeted that they were part of the 45-country statement. 🧵1/2 Despite repeated requests, there has been no investigation by 🇷🇺 into the attack on Alexei #Navalny with a #Novichok nerve agent. 🇨🇦 joins 44 other countries in taking the next step, asking 🇷🇺to clarify the circumstances of this attack under Article 9 of the #CWC. #EC98 pic.twitter.com/Fki24JKrfW — Canada in OPCW (@CanadaOPCW) October 5, 2021 × Case of Alexey Navalny: Today in the #OPCW Executive Council several states including Germany demanded answers from Russia under a special consultation procedure. Russia must explain the finding of a prohibited chemical warfare agent. — Susanne Baumann (@GERMANYonUN) October 5, 2021 × "It is essential that Russia sets out in detail the steps taken to investigate and shed light on the use of a chemical weapon on its territory," said a portion of the statement quoted on the British delegation's Twitter account. Western governments claim that opposition leader Navalny was poisoned with an old Soviet-era nerve agent, known as Novichok, last August in Russia. After receiving treatment in Germany, he returned to Russia, where he is in jail now. Also read | US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning Western states have also called on Syria, a close ally of Russia, to allow arms inspectors in, saying Damascus is continuing to violate its obligations to the OPCW. Many countries have called for the Russian government to provide more information about and clarify Navalny's poisoning. However, the Kremlin has always denied involvement. Vladimir Putin is directly accused by Navalny of being responsible for the attack. On his return from treatment in Germany, the opposition leader was arrested and jailed on old fraud charges. Also read | Russia hits Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny with new charge that could add to jail term The executive council of the OPCW, which has 41 member states, meets this week to discuss progress in eliminating chemical weapons, including taking action when member states do not comply. Meanwhile, Britain has said it will not relent in pressing Russia over the Novichok attack on Sergei Skripal, a former double agent in the English city of Salisbury. As a result of the attack, both Sergei Skripal and his daughter were left battling for their lives, while the police officer investigating the case fell gravely ill. A local woman who was exposed to the nerve agent died later. (With inputs from agencies)

At OPCW, 45 nations push Russia for answers on Navalny poisoning

<p>The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday.</p>

<p>Jailed opposition leader Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most prominent opponent, was arrested in January upon returning to Russia after recovering from a poisoning he says was orchestrated by Moscow.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-us-russia-fight-it-out-or-resolve-issues-377626">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have sanctioned Russia for the poisoning of Alexei Navalny... We rallied European allies in a joint effort to impose costs on Russia for the use of a chemical agent against one of their citizens on Russian soil," US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's</a> national security advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union."</p>

<p>The United States in March imposed sanctions on the director of Russia's FSB security agency after finding it carried out the poisoning of Navalny.</p>

<p>"We are preparing another package of sanctions to apply in this case, as well. We've shown along the way we're not going to pull our punches," Sullivan added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-russia-of-consequences-if-alexei-navalny-dies-378474">US warns Russia of 'consequences' if Alexei Navalny dies</a></strong></p>

<p>He spoke days after Biden and Putin met in Geneva for their first summit, where the leaders sought to cool tensions in the combustible US-Russian relationship.</p>

<p>Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down since Biden took office in January.</p>

<p>After Biden likened Putin to a "killer," Russia in March took the rare step of recalling its ambassador Anatoly Antonov. The US envoy, John Sullivan, likewise returned to Washington.</p>

<p>Putin rejected criticism of his treatment of opponents, many high-profile critics have been killed in Russia during his rule and the media is almost entirely muzzled, saying that the United States had bigger problems.</p>

<p>A day after the summit, the Kremlin was guarded about future dialogue with Washington.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-over-poisoning-of-kremlin-critic-navalny-367479">US imposes sanctions on Russia over poisoning of Kremlin critic Navalny</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are ready to continue this dialogue to the same extent as the American side is," Putin said in televised remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian leader said the meeting was "quite friendly" and that he and Biden "were able to understand each other on key issues."</p>


The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday.

The United States is preparing fresh sanctions against Russia over the near-fatal poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, a top White House advisor warned Sunday. Jailed opposition leader Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's most prominent opponent, was arrested in January upon returning to Russia after recovering from a poisoning he says was orchestrated by Moscow. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? "We have sanctioned Russia for the poisoning of Alexei Navalny... We rallied European allies in a joint effort to impose costs on Russia for the use of a chemical agent against one of their citizens on Russian soil," US President Joe Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union." The United States in March imposed sanctions on the director of Russia's FSB security agency after finding it carried out the poisoning of Navalny. "We are preparing another package of sanctions to apply in this case, as well. We've shown along the way we're not going to pull our punches," Sullivan added. Also read | US warns Russia of 'consequences' if Alexei Navalny dies He spoke days after Biden and Putin met in Geneva for their first summit, where the leaders sought to cool tensions in the combustible US-Russian relationship. Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington had all but broken down since Biden took office in January. After Biden likened Putin to a "killer," Russia in March took the rare step of recalling its ambassador Anatoly Antonov. The US envoy, John Sullivan, likewise returned to Washington. Putin rejected criticism of his treatment of opponents, many high-profile critics have been killed in Russia during his rule and the media is almost entirely muzzled, saying that the United States had bigger problems. A day after the summit, the Kremlin was guarded about future dialogue with Washington. Also read | US imposes sanctions on Russia over poisoning of Kremlin critic Navalny "We are ready to continue this dialogue to the same extent as the American side is," Putin said in televised remarks. The Russian leader said the meeting was "quite friendly" and that he and Biden "were able to understand each other on key issues."

US says preparing new Russia sanctions over Navalny poisoning

<p>Russia has added <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny's</a> network of regional campaign offices to the list of organisation labelled as ‘extremist’.</p>

<p>The news has come a few days after a Moscow prosecutor requested to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny’s political movement — the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) — claiming it to be an extremist group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/allies-of-russias-navalny-defiant-in-face-of-possible-extremism-charges-380219" hreflang="en">Allies of Russia's Navalny defiant in face of possible extremism charges</a></strong></p>

<p>After the news broke&nbsp;that the organisation may be added in the list of organisations that promote 'terrorism and extremism', it had decided to disband the network on Thursday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a Moscow court is also contemplating whether to declare Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) "extremist”. If declared as extremist, this would give the Russian authorities the power to freeze bank accounts of those involved with the organisation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-calls-putin-a-naked-thieving-king-in-court-hearing-381641"><strong>Watch |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-calls-putin-a-naked-thieving-king-in-court-hearing-381641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>While the decision was being made, Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny's team, has assured that his team will continue working on their mission. "We are not going to give up," Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania.</p>

<p>Navalny, a Kremlin critic, was jailed in February for parole violations after he claimed to have been allegedly poisoned in 2020.</p>


Russia has added Alexei Navalny's network of regional campaign offices to the list of organisation labelled as ‘extremist’. The news has come a few days after a Moscow prosecutor requested to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny’s political movement — the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) — claiming it to be an extremist group.

Russia has added Alexei Navalny's network of regional campaign offices to the list of organisation labelled as ‘extremist’. The news has come a few days after a Moscow prosecutor requested to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny’s political movement — the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) — claiming it to be an extremist group. Also read | Allies of Russia's Navalny defiant in face of possible extremism charges After the news broke that the organisation may be added in the list of organisations that promote 'terrorism and extremism', it had decided to disband the network on Thursday. Meanwhile, a Moscow court is also contemplating whether to declare Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) "extremist”. If declared as extremist, this would give the Russian authorities the power to freeze bank accounts of those involved with the organisation. Watch | While the decision was being made, Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny's team, has assured that his team will continue working on their mission. "We are not going to give up," Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania. Navalny, a Kremlin critic, was jailed in February for parole violations after he claimed to have been allegedly poisoned in 2020.

Russia: Alexei Navalny's network of regional campaign offices labelled 'extremist'

<p>Alexei Navalny is a man who is rarely named by the Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>The Kremlin critic and Putin's latest nightmare is 44-year-old, popular and has support abroad. His poisoning made him a household name and his dramatic arrest heightened his profile. Even in jail, he has outmanoeuvred Vladimir Putin.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-story-of-alexei-navalny-361674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-navalny-built-an-opposition-in-russia-despite-putins-tight-grip-on-power-359519" hreflang="en">How Navalny built an opposition in Russia despite Putin's tight grip on power</a></strong></p>

<p>Alexei Navalny is the son of an army officer. Navalny grew up in Obninsk, about 60 miles south-west of Moscow. With a degree in law, he also spent time in the United States on a fellowship at Yale University.</p>

<p>In the year 2000, at the age of 24, he joined the Russian united democratic party, Yabloko. Then, seven years later, he was expelled from the party for his overtly 'nationalistic activities'.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-popularity-slips-as-alexei-navalnys-political-equity-rises-359520" hreflang="en">Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises</a></strong></p>

<p>During anti-Putin demonstrations in 2011, he was among the first opposition leaders arrested. In 2013, he ran for the Mayor of Moscow but lost to a Kremlin-backed candidate. Since then, Navalny has been barred from running for office. Instead, he has turned his focus on social media to mobilise crowds of mostly young protesters.</p>

<p>He is best known for producing detailed investigations into corruption. Investigations such as 'He Is Not Dimon to You' which accused the former prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, 'The case has been solved. I know everyone who tried to kill me' which detailed his poisoning, 'Parazity' that exposed the Kremlin's control on the Russian media and the being 'Putin's Palace: History of the World's Largest Bribe'.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-ill-fitting-suits-to-silencing-critics-journey-of-vladimir-putin-challenged-by-alexei-navalny-361655" hreflang="en">From ill-fitting suits to silencing critics: Journey of Vladimir Putin challenged by Alexei Navalny</a></strong></p>

<p>Navalny has not just challenged Putin's leadership, but also his strongman image. He has single-handedly put Putin in a catch 22 situation as letting Navalny walk out of prison comes with a huge cost, but keeping him behind bars is not helping either.</p>

<p>His case gave a new life to dying opposition parties. There are a total of 69 of them but only six parties are represented in the Russian parliament, the state duma. Putin's party, United Russia, is the largest faction with 343 of 450 seats. The second-largest faction is the Communist Party of the Russian Federation with 42 seats, followed by LDPR with 40 seats and A Just Russia with 23 seats among two others.</p>

<p>The small numbers have made these parties a rubber-stamp opposition. Putin's party holds the final say over the passage of any measures. Majorly, the ideological differences within the opposition makes a merger quite difficult.</p>

<p>Alexei Navalny emerged as a unifying force as his witty posts, memes and pop culture references got the support of leaders across party lines. However, now that he's in jail, the Russian opposition has once again lost its voice.</p>


Alexei Navalny is a man who is rarely named by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin critic and Putin's latest nightmare is 44-year-old, popular and has support abroad.

Alexei Navalny is a man who is rarely named by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin critic and Putin's latest nightmare is 44-year-old, popular and has support abroad. His poisoning made him a household name and his dramatic arrest heightened his profile. Even in jail, he has outmanoeuvred Vladimir Putin. Also read| How Navalny built an opposition in Russia despite Putin's tight grip on power Alexei Navalny is the son of an army officer. Navalny grew up in Obninsk, about 60 miles south-west of Moscow. With a degree in law, he also spent time in the United States on a fellowship at Yale University. In the year 2000, at the age of 24, he joined the Russian united democratic party, Yabloko. Then, seven years later, he was expelled from the party for his overtly 'nationalistic activities'. Also read| Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises During anti-Putin demonstrations in 2011, he was among the first opposition leaders arrested. In 2013, he ran for the Mayor of Moscow but lost to a Kremlin-backed candidate. Since then, Navalny has been barred from running for office. Instead, he has turned his focus on social media to mobilise crowds of mostly young protesters. He is best known for producing detailed investigations into corruption. Investigations such as 'He Is Not Dimon to You' which accused the former prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, 'The case has been solved. I know everyone who tried to kill me' which detailed his poisoning, 'Parazity' that exposed the Kremlin's control on the Russian media and the being 'Putin's Palace: History of the World's Largest Bribe'. Also read| From ill-fitting suits to silencing critics: Journey of Vladimir Putin challenged by Alexei Navalny Navalny has not just challenged Putin's leadership, but also his strongman image. He has single-handedly put Putin in a catch 22 situation as letting Navalny walk out of prison comes with a huge cost, but keeping him behind bars is not helping either. His case gave a new life to dying opposition parties. There are a total of 69 of them but only six parties are represented in the Russian parliament, the state duma. Putin's party, United Russia, is the largest faction with 343 of 450 seats. The second-largest faction is the Communist Party of the Russian Federation with 42 seats, followed by LDPR with 40 seats and A Just Russia with 23 seats among two others. The small numbers have made these parties a rubber-stamp opposition. Putin's party holds the final say over the passage of any measures. Majorly, the ideological differences within the opposition makes a merger quite difficult. Alexei Navalny emerged as a unifying force as his witty posts, memes and pop culture references got the support of leaders across party lines. However, now that he's in jail, the Russian opposition has once again lost its voice.

Who is Alexei Navalny, apart from being Putin's nightmare?

In a video, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny claimed he tricked a Russian spy into confessing to a plot to kill him. Russian Intelligence Agency - The FSB called the video a 'forgery'. But now, an ally of Navalny has been arrested. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Navalny: I got my killer to confess

Russian law enforcement agencies opened a criminal case against Lyubov Sobol, an ally of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, and took her in for questioning early on Friday after raiding her home, Navalny and his supporters said.

Russia opens criminal case against ally of Kremlin critic Navalny