More than 40 countries, on Monday (Mar 4) called for an independent international investigation into the death of Russian opposition leader and Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The countries also said that “ultimate responsibility” lies with President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials.&nbsp;

<h2>‘We are outraged’</h2>

The demand for an international probe into Navalny’s death by 43 countries was led by the European Union (EU) during the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Thousands of mourners continue to visit Alexei Navalny's grave

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“We are outraged by the death of the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, for which the ultimate responsibility lies with President Putin and the Russian authorities,” said EU ambassador Lotte Knudsen at the UNHRC. &nbsp;

The call by the EU official was made on behalf of 27 countries of the EU bloc and 16 other countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ukraine.&nbsp;

“Russia must allow an independent and transparent international investigation into the circumstances of his sudden death,” Knudsen added.&nbsp;

Navalny’s death weeks&nbsp;ahead of the Russian presidential election where Putin is running virtually unopposed for his fifth term which will keep him in power until 2030.

The EU official also said that the Kremlin critic’s “unexpected and shocking death is yet another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-funeral-putins-fierce-critic-buried-in-moscow-amid-tight-security-695615">Alexei Navalny funeral: Putin's fierce critic buried in Moscow amid tight security</a>

The 43 nations expressed concerns about the “systematic crackdown on civil society” and repression of political opposition in Russia and abroad.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the countries called for an immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, human rights activists, journalists, and those who have been jailed for speaking out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

“Russia’s political leadership and authorities must be held to account,” said Knudsen.&nbsp;

Russia’s Investigative Committee says it has launched a procedural investigation into the death and the Kremlin has said it does not bow to EU demands.&nbsp;

<h2>About Navalny’s death</h2>

Navalny, 47, who was Putin’s fiercest critic inside Russia, died last month in an Arctic penal colony where he was serving a lengthy prison sentence. The circumstances surrounding the Russian opposition leader’s death sparked outrage across the world and within Russia.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-wife-again-says-mobster-and-criminal-gang-leader-putin-killed-her-husband-694758">Navalny's wife again says 'mobster' Putin killed her husband, claims he was 'tortured'</a>

On Monday, when asked about Navalny’s funeral which drew thousands of people to the streets of the capital city of Moscow last Friday (Mar 1), the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the Kremlin has “nothing more to say on this subject”.&nbsp;

Thousands of Russians chanted Navalny’s name as he was being laid to rest in Moscow on March 1 and said they would never forgive the authorities.&nbsp;

“Navalny’s courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the cause of justice, freedom and democracy will never be forgotten,” said Knudsen.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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More than 40 countries, on Monday (Mar 4) called for an independent international investigation into the death of Russian opposition leader and Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

More than 40 countries, on Monday (Mar 4) called for an independent international investigation into the death of Russian opposition leader and Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The countries also said that “ultimate responsibility” lies with President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials. ‘We are outraged’ The demand for an international probe into Navalny’s death by 43 countries was led by the European Union (EU) during the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. WATCH | Thousands of mourners continue to visit Alexei Navalny's grave “We are outraged by the death of the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, for which the ultimate responsibility lies with President Putin and the Russian authorities,” said EU ambassador Lotte Knudsen at the UNHRC. The call by the EU official was made on behalf of 27 countries of the EU bloc and 16 other countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Ukraine. “Russia must allow an independent and transparent international investigation into the circumstances of his sudden death,” Knudsen added. Navalny’s death weeks ahead of the Russian presidential election where Putin is running virtually unopposed for his fifth term which will keep him in power until 2030. The EU official also said that the Kremlin critic’s “unexpected and shocking death is yet another sign of the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia.” Also Read | Alexei Navalny funeral: Putin's fierce critic buried in Moscow amid tight security The 43 nations expressed concerns about the “systematic crackdown on civil society” and repression of political opposition in Russia and abroad. Furthermore, the countries called for an immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, human rights activists, journalists, and those who have been jailed for speaking out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Russia’s political leadership and authorities must be held to account,” said Knudsen. Russia’s Investigative Committee says it has launched a procedural investigation into the death and the Kremlin has said it does not bow to EU demands. About Navalny’s death Navalny, 47, who was Putin’s fiercest critic inside Russia, died last month in an Arctic penal colony where he was serving a lengthy prison sentence. The circumstances surrounding the Russian opposition leader’s death sparked outrage across the world and within Russia. Also Read | Navalny's wife again says 'mobster' Putin killed her husband, claims he was 'tortured' On Monday, when asked about Navalny’s funeral which drew thousands of people to the streets of the capital city of Moscow last Friday (Mar 1), the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the Kremlin has “nothing more to say on this subject”. Thousands of Russians chanted Navalny’s name as he was being laid to rest in Moscow on March 1 and said they would never forgive the authorities. “Navalny’s courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the cause of justice, freedom and democracy will never be forgotten,” said Knudsen. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 40 countries call for international probe into death of Kremlin critic 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".

<h2>A powerful voice for the truth (Joe Biden on&nbsp;Navalny's&nbsp;death)</h2>

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;

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 |&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>

"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;

"What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin's brutality. No one should be fooled," said Biden in the televised remarks.

<h2>Will the US respond?</h2>

The US President said that he was "looking at options" on additional steps to punish Russia. However, he did not elaborate further.

Watch |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail

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Hailing Alexei Navalny's achievements, Biden said "Even in prison he was a powerful voice for the truth."&nbsp;

"God bless Alexei Navalny, his courage will not be forgotten," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Reason of Alexei Navalny's death</h2>

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."

"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&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.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Alexei Navalny Death News:&nbsp;Alexei&nbsp;Navalny, a vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;has died in jail,&nbsp;as per reports by the state media.

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.

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.

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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>
— 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>Reports of death yet to be confirmed</h2>

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 |&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>

On X, Navalny's deputy Ivan Zhdanov, said relatives of Navalny should be notified of his death within 24 hours, but&nbsp;no notifications have been made.

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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>
— Ivan Zhdanov (@ioannZH) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioannZH/status/1758463748245790961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Navalny's aide Leonid Volkov 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.

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidvolkov/status/1758456557770101005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with&nbsp;German&nbsp;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&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.

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."&nbsp;

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndriyYermak/status/1758466812885217699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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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."

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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. <a href="https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh">https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh</a>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1758463245671690574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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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>

France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné 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."

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/steph_sejourne/status/1758459000817877102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Condemning the death, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;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 |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, Putin critic and Russian opposition leader dies in jail

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, 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".

Charles Michel, the&nbsp;President of the European Council, called the death an "ultimate sacrifice".

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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. 
 
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) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1758461749747966150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of&nbsp;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."

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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.
— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) <a href="https://twitter.com/edgarsrinkevics/status/1758456656730423305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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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.&nbsp;

Joshua Fenton-Glynn, Cabinet Member, Adult Services and Wellbeing, UK said that "Navalny's bravery will inspire others."

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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>
— 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>How did Navalny&nbsp;die? (Alexei Navalny Death Reason)</h2>

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."

"Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose whereabouts had been unknown for over two weeks, said on Tuesday (Dec 26) that he was fine after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer to a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose whereabouts had been unknown for over two weeks, said on Tuesday (Dec 26) that he was fine after a "pretty exhausting" 20-day transfer to a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle. In a post on X, Navalny said, "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I'm totally relieved that I've finally made it." "I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus," he added. Navalny was tracked down to the penal colony called 'Polar Wolf', his spokesperson told the news agency Reuters on Monday. "We find Alexei, after three weeks of search, in polar region, in the north of Russia, in a settlement called Kharp, in penal colony number 3. It is penal colony of special regime," Kira Yarmysh told Reuters. Also read: US calls out Russia over its 'malicious targeting' of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny "The lawyer saw him today, so he is well, especially given the fact that he was transferred for three weeks, to this place, so this is the information I have right now," she added. Deeply concerned for Navalny's wellbeing: US Earlier, the US State Department said it remained for the Kremlin critic's well-being. "We welcome reports that Mr Navalny has been located. However, we remain deeply concerned for Mr. Navalny's well-being and the conditions of his unjust detention," a State Department spokesperson said on Monday. "We have conveyed to the Russian government that they are responsible for what happens to Mr Navalny in their custody," the spokesperson added and called for Navalny's immediate release and accused Russia of repressing independent voices in the country. Before being imprisoned in 2021, Navalny mobilised huge anti-government protests in Russia. He has spent most of his detention at the IK-6 penal colony in the Vladimir region, some 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow. In August, a court extended his sentence to 19 years on extremism charges and ruled he be moved to a harsher "special regime" prison for particularly dangerous prisoners. (With inputs from agencies)

‘I’m fine’: Kremlin critic Navalny after his transfer to penal colony beyond Arctic Circle

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.

<h2>'Unjust Detention'</h2>

However, a State Department spokesperson said that they "remain deeply concerned for Mr&nbsp;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."&nbsp;

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>

"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&nbsp;in its statement didn't mince words.&nbsp;

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>

"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."

<h2>Who is Navalny?</h2>

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;

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Former TV journalist and Russian lawmaker calling for peace in Ukraine, Yekaterina Duntsova, submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024.&nbsp;

She presented her documents to Russia’s Central Election Commission to register as a candidate days after taking her first steps toward candidate status Sunday. In line with the country’s law, her run had to be endorsed by 500 supporters.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Humane’ Russia</h2>

The 40-year-old Russian lawmaker hopes to challenge Putin by promoting her vision of a “humane” Russia “that’s peaceful, friendly and ready to cooperate with everyone on the principle of respect.”

Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war in Ukraine and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

She has submitted her documents to formally enter the election which Putin is expected to win, a foregone conclusion by supporters and opponents alike.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-will-run-again-in-russian-presidential-elections-next-march-667595">Vladimir Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March</a>

“I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday.

If accepted as an independent candidate, the former journalist faces the herculean task of collecting 300,000 signatures of support for her candidacy, from at least 40 Russian regions, by January 31.&nbsp;

“(I hope that) I’ll at least be registered (as a candidate). But, of course, collecting signatures is a huge job and I hope that people will be actively taking part.”

She also corrected a reporter who asked if she thought the authorities would actually allow her to stand. “Why are we talking about permission if this is my right according to the law and I have that possibility and have the necessary qualities to put myself forward?” she responded.&nbsp;

“We are just moving according to the formula prescribed by federal law, and for that we don’t need anyone’s permission,” Duntsova added.&nbsp;

In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation",&nbsp;but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.”&nbsp;

<h2>Upcoming Russian presidential elections</h2>

Russian state parliament set March 17 as the date for the country’s 2024 presidential election earlier this month.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-court-filings-show-two-navalny-court-hearings-postponed-until-january-671069">Russian court filings show two Navalny court hearings postponed until January</a>

Putin, who has been in power either as president or prime minister since 1999, announced his candidacy earlier this month and has sought another six-year term. If he wins, this will be the 71-year-old incumbent’s 5th term in office.&nbsp;

Over his more than two decades in power, Putin has established tight control on Russia’s political system, and with prominent critics in jail or outside the country at risk of arrest, there are no established opposition figures to challenge him.

Navalny’s supporters have called the process a sham, saying the Kremlin, via the electoral commission, controls who can run and can easily manipulate the vote with the help of an opaque electronic voting system.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Kremlin says that Putin will win because he enjoys overwhelming public support, with opinion poll ratings of around 80 per cent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former TV journalist and Russian lawmaker calling for peace in Ukraine, Yekaterina Duntsova, submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024.

Former TV journalist and Russian lawmaker calling for peace in Ukraine, Yekaterina Duntsova, submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024. She presented her documents to Russia’s Central Election Commission to register as a candidate days after taking her first steps toward candidate status Sunday. In line with the country’s law, her run had to be endorsed by 500 supporters. ‘Humane’ Russia The 40-year-old Russian lawmaker hopes to challenge Putin by promoting her vision of a “humane” Russia “that’s peaceful, friendly and ready to cooperate with everyone on the principle of respect.” Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war in Ukraine and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny. She has submitted her documents to formally enter the election which Putin is expected to win, a foregone conclusion by supporters and opponents alike. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March “I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday. If accepted as an independent candidate, the former journalist faces the herculean task of collecting 300,000 signatures of support for her candidacy, from at least 40 Russian regions, by January 31. “(I hope that) I’ll at least be registered (as a candidate). But, of course, collecting signatures is a huge job and I hope that people will be actively taking part.” She also corrected a reporter who asked if she thought the authorities would actually allow her to stand. “Why are we talking about permission if this is my right according to the law and I have that possibility and have the necessary qualities to put myself forward?” she responded. “We are just moving according to the formula prescribed by federal law, and for that we don’t need anyone’s permission,” Duntsova added. In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.” Upcoming Russian presidential elections Russian state parliament set March 17 as the date for the country’s 2024 presidential election earlier this month. ALSO READ | Russian court filings show two Navalny court hearings postponed until January Putin, who has been in power either as president or prime minister since 1999, announced his candidacy earlier this month and has sought another six-year term. If he wins, this will be the 71-year-old incumbent’s 5th term in office. Over his more than two decades in power, Putin has established tight control on Russia’s political system, and with prominent critics in jail or outside the country at risk of arrest, there are no established opposition figures to challenge him. Navalny’s supporters have called the process a sham, saying the Kremlin, via the electoral commission, controls who can run and can easily manipulate the vote with the help of an opaque electronic voting system. Meanwhile, the Kremlin says that Putin will win because he enjoys overwhelming public support, with opinion poll ratings of around 80 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-war Russian presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova applies to run in election against Putin

Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople.

<h2>About the verdict</h2>

A footage of the trial shows Navalny appearing before the judge wearing his prison uniform, smiling and speaking with another defendant, on Friday in the court.&nbsp;

The court in the IK-6 penal colony in Russia’s Melekhovo, which is about 235 kilometres east of the capital Moscow, held the trial on six separate criminal charges, which included inciting and financing extremist activity and creating an extremist organisation.

“Alexey Navalny was sentenced to 19 years at a maximum security penal colony,” said spokesperson Kira Yarmysh, as quoted by AFP. The Kremlin critic is already serving sentences totalling 11 and a half years on charges like fraud which he has since called bogus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-expects-to-be-jailed-for-many-more-years-who-is-he-622286">Explained: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years. Who is he?</a>

The sentence is said to be&nbsp;the longest of the three he has been handed. According to reports, the battery of new charges is related to alleged extremist activity by the Russian politician. Notably, his political movement has previously been outlawed and declared “extremist”.&nbsp;

Navalny’s team said that the judge had added 19 years to his sentence as a result of the new charges, while the state prosecutors had sought another 20 years in a penal colony. However, the Russian politician had predicted this a day prior to his trial and said he expected a lengthy, “Stalinist” prison term.

Navalny, 47, was already in the midst of serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court in a penal colony east of Moscow. Notably, the verdict marks the Russian politician's 5th&nbsp;criminal conviction.&nbsp;

<h2>Navalny urges Russians to keep resisting the Kremlin</h2>

In a first statement since the verdict, the Kremlin critic took to Facebook and wrote, “They want to frighten you, not me, and deprive you of the will to resist.” He added, “You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power...Don’t lose the will to resist.”

<h2>‘Unacceptable’: Verdict sparks international criticism&nbsp;</h2>

The verdict has since sparked criticism from the United Nations, Germany and the European Union as well as rights groups who have condemned the decision and called it unacceptable. 
 
UN

In a statement, UN human rights agency chief, Volker Turk criticised the decision and called for Navalny’s immediate release. “The new sentence imposed today on opposition figure Alexei Navalny raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalisation of the court system for political purposes in Russia.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-faces-decades-in-prison-for-rehabilitating-nazi-ideology-and-other-crimes-605858">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes</a>

He also urged the Russian authorities to “immediately (cease) violations of Navalny’s human rights and release him”.&nbsp; 
 
Germany

“Russia’s arbitrary justice system imprisoning Alexei Navalny for another 19 years is pure injustice,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on social media. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “fears nothing more than standing up against war and corruption and for democracy – even from a prison cell. He will not silence critical voices with this.”&nbsp; 
 
EU

Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said, “The latest verdict in yet another sham trial against Alexei Navalny is unacceptable. This arbitrary conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlin's regime.”&nbsp; 
 
France

The French government called for Navalny's release and said that the country&nbsp;condemned the verdict "in the strongest terms" and called the trial&nbsp;"judicial persecution". 
 
United States

The US slammed Russia over the trial and verdict of the Kremlin critic&nbsp;calling it "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial." A statement by the US State Department also said how the Kremlin, for years, has "attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people." 
 
It added, "Russian authorities illustrated yet again both the baselessness of their case and the lack of due process afforded to those who dare to criticize the regime."

Amnesty International

Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, called the sentence “a sinister act of political vengeance that not only targets Navalny personally but serves as a warning to state critics across the country”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople.

Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople. About the verdict A footage of the trial shows Navalny appearing before the judge wearing his prison uniform, smiling and speaking with another defendant, on Friday in the court. The court in the IK-6 penal colony in Russia’s Melekhovo, which is about 235 kilometres east of the capital Moscow, held the trial on six separate criminal charges, which included inciting and financing extremist activity and creating an extremist organisation. “Alexey Navalny was sentenced to 19 years at a maximum security penal colony,” said spokesperson Kira Yarmysh, as quoted by AFP. The Kremlin critic is already serving sentences totalling 11 and a half years on charges like fraud which he has since called bogus. ALSO READ | Explained: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years. Who is he? The sentence is said to be the longest of the three he has been handed. According to reports, the battery of new charges is related to alleged extremist activity by the Russian politician. Notably, his political movement has previously been outlawed and declared “extremist”. Navalny’s team said that the judge had added 19 years to his sentence as a result of the new charges, while the state prosecutors had sought another 20 years in a penal colony. However, the Russian politician had predicted this a day prior to his trial and said he expected a lengthy, “Stalinist” prison term. Navalny, 47, was already in the midst of serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court in a penal colony east of Moscow. Notably, the verdict marks the Russian politician's 5th criminal conviction. Navalny urges Russians to keep resisting the Kremlin In a first statement since the verdict, the Kremlin critic took to Facebook and wrote, “They want to frighten you, not me, and deprive you of the will to resist.” He added, “You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power...Don’t lose the will to resist.” ‘Unacceptable’: Verdict sparks international criticism The verdict has since sparked criticism from the United Nations, Germany and the European Union as well as rights groups who have condemned the decision and called it unacceptable. UN In a statement, UN human rights agency chief, Volker Turk criticised the decision and called for Navalny’s immediate release. “The new sentence imposed today on opposition figure Alexei Navalny raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalisation of the court system for political purposes in Russia.” ALSO READ | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes He also urged the Russian authorities to “immediately (cease) violations of Navalny’s human rights and release him”. Germany “Russia’s arbitrary justice system imprisoning Alexei Navalny for another 19 years is pure injustice,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on social media. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “fears nothing more than standing up against war and corruption and for democracy – even from a prison cell. He will not silence critical voices with this.” EU Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said, “The latest verdict in yet another sham trial against Alexei Navalny is unacceptable. This arbitrary conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlin's regime.” France The French government called for Navalny's release and said that the country condemned the verdict "in the strongest terms" and called the trial "judicial persecution". United States The US slammed Russia over the trial and verdict of the Kremlin critic calling it "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial." A statement by the US State Department also said how the Kremlin, for years, has "attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people." It added, "Russian authorities illustrated yet again both the baselessness of their case and the lack of due process afforded to those who dare to criticize the regime." Amnesty International Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, called the sentence “a sinister act of political vengeance that not only targets Navalny personally but serves as a warning to state critics across the country”. (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.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years on series of new charges

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."&nbsp;

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:

<h2>Who is Vladimir Kara-Murza?</h2>

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,&nbsp;who was assassinated on February 27, 2015.

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>

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.

Vladimir Kara-Murza is also a known close associate of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former oligarch turned Putin critic.

<h2>Did Kara-Murza face any "assassination attempts"?</h2>

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.

Kara-Murza alleges that he was poisoned by the Russian security services. However, Russian authorities deny any involvement in the incidents.

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>

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.

<h2>Did he flee Russia after these "attempts" on his life?</h2>

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.

<h2>Kara-Murza's criticism of Putin and the Ukraine war</h2>

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 |&nbsp;How important is cyber warfare in Russia-Ukraine conflict

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<h2>When was he arrested? What charges were imposed against him?</h2>

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.

<h2>How did the Kremlin critic respond to the charges levied against him?</h2>

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.&nbsp;

"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&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.

(With inputs from agencies)

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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

With Moscow working hard to wipe out any and every remaining pocket of dissent, a Russian court on Tuesday found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty on charges of embezzlement.

The charges could see Navalny's sentence being significantly extended.&nbsp;

As reported by AFP, "Navalny committed fraud -- the theft of property by an organised group," said judge Margarita Kotova.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-navalny-a-terrorist-russia-adds-kremlin-critic-allies-to-terrorists-list-us-eu-condemn-the-move-447614">Is Navalny a terrorist? Russia adds Kremlin critic, allies to 'terrorists' list; US, EU condemn the move</a>

He was also found guilty on a lesser charge of contempt of court.&nbsp;Navalny has denied&nbsp;the charges.

Last year, Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's most vocal domestic critics, was jailed on old fraud charges after surviving a poison attack with Novichok nerve agent, which he blames on the Kremlin.

On Tuesday, Navalny was tried on additional embezzlement and contempt of court charges at the prison colony outside Moscow, where he has already been incarcerated for two-and-a-half years.

Researchers allege that Navalny stole several million dollars in donations given to his political organisations for personal use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-team-calls-for-civil-disobedience-to-protest-ukraine-invasion-457900">Alexei Navalny's team calls for civil disobedience to protest Ukraine invasion</a>

Last week, the prosecutor requested that Navalny's sentence be extended to 13 years and that he be put into a "strict regime" prison colony, where he would face harsher conditions.

While a conviction on corruption charges can result in up to ten years in prison, a conviction on contempt of court can result in up to six months in jail.

Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of 1.2 million rubles ($11,500 or 10,500 euros).

Russia restricted access to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram this month, as well as blocked the websites of several independent news outlets as part of its effort to control the information available to its domestic audience.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia files new charges against Alexei Navalny

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In addition, Russia is increasing pressure on independent media and NGOs, declaring many of them "foreign agents" while others themselves have ceased operating for fear of prosecution.&nbsp;

Media outlets closed down in response to a new law that proposed up to 15 years in jail for spreading "fake news" about what Russia calls its "military operation" in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

With Moscow working hard to wipe out any and every remaining pocket of dissent, a Russian court on Tuesday found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty on charges of embezzlement.

With Moscow working hard to wipe out any and every remaining pocket of dissent, a Russian court on Tuesday found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty on charges of embezzlement. The charges could see Navalny's sentence being significantly extended. As reported by AFP, "Navalny committed fraud -- the theft of property by an organised group," said judge Margarita Kotova. Also read | Is Navalny a terrorist? Russia adds Kremlin critic, allies to 'terrorists' list; US, EU condemn the move He was also found guilty on a lesser charge of contempt of court. Navalny has denied the charges. Last year, Navalny, one of President Vladimir Putin's most vocal domestic critics, was jailed on old fraud charges after surviving a poison attack with Novichok nerve agent, which he blames on the Kremlin. On Tuesday, Navalny was tried on additional embezzlement and contempt of court charges at the prison colony outside Moscow, where he has already been incarcerated for two-and-a-half years. Researchers allege that Navalny stole several million dollars in donations given to his political organisations for personal use. Also read | Alexei Navalny's team calls for civil disobedience to protest Ukraine invasion Last week, the prosecutor requested that Navalny's sentence be extended to 13 years and that he be put into a "strict regime" prison colony, where he would face harsher conditions. While a conviction on corruption charges can result in up to ten years in prison, a conviction on contempt of court can result in up to six months in jail. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of 1.2 million rubles ($11,500 or 10,500 euros). Russia restricted access to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram this month, as well as blocked the websites of several independent news outlets as part of its effort to control the information available to its domestic audience. Watch | Russia files new charges against Alexei Navalny In addition, Russia is increasing pressure on independent media and NGOs, declaring many of them "foreign agents" while others themselves have ceased operating for fear of prosecution. Media outlets closed down in response to a new law that proposed up to 15 years in jail for spreading "fake news" about what Russia calls its "military operation" in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's brutal repression of dissent: Kremlin critic Navalny found guilty of embezzlement

A Moscow appeal court has decided to uphold the Kremlin critic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny's</a> prison sentence.

The ruling was made after Navalny requested the judge to free him. "It would be better if you released me," he told the presiding judge. "I heard there had been such a ruling (from the ECHR)."

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-celebrates-valentines-day-by-forming-human-chains-in-support-for-navalnys-wife-363675" hreflang="en">Russia celebrates Valentine's Day by forming human chains in support for Navalny's wife</a>

Navalny was asked to be in the court as he had failed to report to prison service last year and was instead present in Germany.

"I don't want to show off a lot, but the whole world knew where I was," Navalny said. "Once I'd recovered, I bought a plane ticket and came home."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-life-in-opposition-navalnys-path-from-gadfly-to-heroic-symbol-363536" hreflang="en">A life in opposition: Navalny’s path from gadfly to heroic symbol</a>

Navalny was recovering from a near-death experience after he was allegedly poisoned by the Kremlin last year.

Judge Dmitry Balashov rejected Navalny's appeal regarding the February 02 ruling which had turned a 2014 suspended sentence on embezzlement charges into real jail time.&nbsp;

The judge has decided to count the six weeks that Navalny was under house arrest as a part of his prison sentence. Pertaining to this, Navalny will now be imprisoned for nearly 2.5 years in a penal colony.

A Moscow appeal court has decided to uphold the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's prison sentence. The ruling was made after Navalny requested the judge to free him.

A Moscow appeal court has decided to uphold the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's prison sentence. The ruling was made after Navalny requested the judge to free him. "It would be better if you released me," he told the presiding judge. "I heard there had been such a ruling (from the ECHR)." Have a look| Russia celebrates Valentine's Day by forming human chains in support for Navalny's wife Navalny was asked to be in the court as he had failed to report to prison service last year and was instead present in Germany. "I don't want to show off a lot, but the whole world knew where I was," Navalny said. "Once I'd recovered, I bought a plane ticket and came home." Also read| A life in opposition: Navalny’s path from gadfly to heroic symbol Navalny was recovering from a near-death experience after he was allegedly poisoned by the Kremlin last year. Judge Dmitry Balashov rejected Navalny's appeal regarding the February 02 ruling which had turned a 2014 suspended sentence on embezzlement charges into real jail time. The judge has decided to count the six weeks that Navalny was under house arrest as a part of his prison sentence. Pertaining to this, Navalny will now be imprisoned for nearly 2.5 years in a penal colony.

Moscow appeal court upholds Alexei Navalny's prison sentence

The Kremlin's most prominent opponent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> faced two court decisions on Saturday that could seal a judge's ruling to jail him for several years after he returned to Russia following a poisoning attack.

A Moscow court was hearing Navalny's appeal against a decision this month to imprison him for nearly three years for violating the terms of a suspended sentence on embezzlement charges.

He was ordered on February 02 to serve time in a penal colony, for breaching the parole terms of the sentence while in Germany recovering from the poisoning.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-celebrates-valentines-day-by-forming-human-chains-in-support-for-navalnys-wife-363675" hreflang="en">Russia celebrates Valentine's Day by forming human chains in support for Navalny's wife</a>

As his appeal hearing began on Saturday, Navalny rejected the decision to jail him since he made no secret of his whereabouts in Germany and returned voluntarily to Russia.

"The whole question is, was I hiding or not hiding?" he told the court.

"I bought a ticket and told everyone: I'm going home... This is just absurd."

Even if Navalny wins his appeal Saturday, his victory could be short-lived.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-life-in-opposition-navalnys-path-from-gadfly-to-heroic-symbol-363536" hreflang="en">A life in opposition: Navalny’s path from gadfly to heroic symbol</a>

Prosecutors in a separate trial have called for him to be fined the equivalent of $13,000 for calling a World War II veteran a "traitor" on Twitter last year, with a verdict also expected Saturday.

They have also asked Navalny to be jailed on the same fraud conviction, saying his tweet referencing the veteran was posted during the probation period for the suspended sentence.

Supporters of the outspoken opposition figure say the rulings and several other cases against the 44-year-old are a pretext to silence his corruption exposes and quash his political ambitions.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-alexei-navalny-apart-from-being-putins-nightmare-361660" hreflang="en">Who is Alexei Navalny, apart from being Putin's nightmare?</a>

European court orders release

The 94-year-old veteran at the centre of the defamation trial appeared in a video that Navalny derided for promoting constitutional reforms, passed last year, that could allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036.

A series of theatrical hearings in the case ended Tuesday with Navalny asking if the judge could recommend a recipe for pickles, since it is "pointless to talk about the law" with her.

Russia has come under increasing pressure to release Navalny since he was detained on arrival at a Moscow airport in January.

He had spent months recovering in Germany from the attack with Novichok that he blames on the Kremlin. Russia has repeatedly denied involvement.

The arrest sparked large protests across the country that saw more than 10,000 people detained, while the European Union threatened to impose new sanctions on Moscow.

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>

Europe's rights court ruled this week that Russia must immediately release Navalny, in a motion swiftly brushed aside by the justice ministry.

Navalny's allies believe Russia's non-compliance with the European Court of Human Rights ruling could lead to its expulsion from the Council of Europe — a broader grouping than the 27-member EU.

And it risks further exacerbating a crisis in Moscow's westward ties that began with the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

EU member Lithuania's foreign ministry said Friday that a group of EU foreign ministers will meet with two top Navalny aides in Brussels on Sunday.

Navalny aides in talks with EU representatives this month urged the bloc to hit people close to Putin with sanctions.

Another Moscow court this week rejected Navalny's appeal against a fine of 3.3 million rubles ($44,649/36,825 euros) that he was ordered to pay a catering company in another defamation lawsuit.

Those charges were levelled at the opposition figure by businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, nicknamed "Putin's chef" because his company Concord catered for the Kremlin.

The 59-year-old businessman, who is under US and European sanctions, has two pending cases against Navalny that will be considered in March.

The Kremlin's most prominent opponent Alexei Navalny faced two court decisions on Saturday that could seal a judge's ruling to jail him for several years after he returned to Russia following a poisoning attack.

The Kremlin's most prominent opponent Alexei Navalny faced two court decisions on Saturday that could seal a judge's ruling to jail him for several years after he returned to Russia following a poisoning attack. A Moscow court was hearing Navalny's appeal against a decision this month to imprison him for nearly three years for violating the terms of a suspended sentence on embezzlement charges. He was ordered on February 02 to serve time in a penal colony, for breaching the parole terms of the sentence while in Germany recovering from the poisoning. Have a look| Russia celebrates Valentine's Day by forming human chains in support for Navalny's wife As his appeal hearing began on Saturday, Navalny rejected the decision to jail him since he made no secret of his whereabouts in Germany and returned voluntarily to Russia. "The whole question is, was I hiding or not hiding?" he told the court. "I bought a ticket and told everyone: I'm going home... This is just absurd." Even if Navalny wins his appeal Saturday, his victory could be short-lived. Also read| A life in opposition: Navalny’s path from gadfly to heroic symbol Prosecutors in a separate trial have called for him to be fined the equivalent of $13,000 for calling a World War II veteran a "traitor" on Twitter last year, with a verdict also expected Saturday. They have also asked Navalny to be jailed on the same fraud conviction, saying his tweet referencing the veteran was posted during the probation period for the suspended sentence. Supporters of the outspoken opposition figure say the rulings and several other cases against the 44-year-old are a pretext to silence his corruption exposes and quash his political ambitions. Also read| Who is Alexei Navalny, apart from being Putin's nightmare? European court orders release The 94-year-old veteran at the centre of the defamation trial appeared in a video that Navalny derided for promoting constitutional reforms, passed last year, that could allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036. A series of theatrical hearings in the case ended Tuesday with Navalny asking if the judge could recommend a recipe for pickles, since it is "pointless to talk about the law" with her. Russia has come under increasing pressure to release Navalny since he was detained on arrival at a Moscow airport in January. He had spent months recovering in Germany from the attack with Novichok that he blames on the Kremlin. Russia has repeatedly denied involvement. The arrest sparked large protests across the country that saw more than 10,000 people detained, while the European Union threatened to impose new sanctions on Moscow. Also read| Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises Europe's rights court ruled this week that Russia must immediately release Navalny, in a motion swiftly brushed aside by the justice ministry. Navalny's allies believe Russia's non-compliance with the European Court of Human Rights ruling could lead to its expulsion from the Council of Europe — a broader grouping than the 27-member EU. And it risks further exacerbating a crisis in Moscow's westward ties that began with the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. EU member Lithuania's foreign ministry said Friday that a group of EU foreign ministers will meet with two top Navalny aides in Brussels on Sunday. Navalny aides in talks with EU representatives this month urged the bloc to hit people close to Putin with sanctions. Another Moscow court this week rejected Navalny's appeal against a fine of 3.3 million rubles ($44,649/36,825 euros) that he was ordered to pay a catering company in another defamation lawsuit. Those charges were levelled at the opposition figure by businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, nicknamed "Putin's chef" because his company Concord catered for the Kremlin. The 59-year-old businessman, who is under US and European sanctions, has two pending cases against Navalny that will be considered in March.

Navalny faces decisive rulings in Moscow legal marathon

Russia has been trying to demotivate the supporters of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> from protesting, but the Kremlin critic's supporters have decided to not let the day of love go to waste.

Supporters of Alexei Navalny are planning to hold candle-lit gatherings in the residential courtyards across Russia to let the family know that they have all the support from the locals.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-alexei-navalny-apart-from-being-putins-nightmare-361660" hreflang="en">Who is Alexei Navalny, apart from being Putin's nightmare?</a>

Navalny's allies will be gathering outside their homes for 15 minutes on the evening of Valentine's Day. They plan to shine their mobile torches and arrange candles in the shape of hearts.

"Putin is fear. Navalny is love. That's why we will win," Leonid Volkov, Navalny's close ally tweeted, urging people to join the demonstrations.

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>

This gathering has been scheduled despite the Russian government and police officers warning against any such demonstrations.

Meanwhile, people are planning to flood the social media platforms with pictures and videos of Sunday's demonstration with #loveisstrongerthanfear.

Navalny was arrested last month, upon return to Moscow from Germany, where he was being treated for alleged food poisoning by the Kremlin.

Russia has been trying to demotivate the supporters of Alexei Navalny from protesting, but the Kremlin critic's supporters have decided to not let the day of love go to waste.

Russia has been trying to demotivate the supporters of Alexei Navalny from protesting, but the Kremlin critic's supporters have decided to not let the day of love go to waste. Supporters of Alexei Navalny are planning to hold candle-lit gatherings in the residential courtyards across Russia to let the family know that they have all the support from the locals. Also read| Who is Alexei Navalny, apart from being Putin's nightmare? Navalny's allies will be gathering outside their homes for 15 minutes on the evening of Valentine's Day. They plan to shine their mobile torches and arrange candles in the shape of hearts. "Putin is fear. Navalny is love. That's why we will win," Leonid Volkov, Navalny's close ally tweeted, urging people to join the demonstrations. Also read| Putin's popularity slips as Alexei Navalny's political equity rises This gathering has been scheduled despite the Russian government and police officers warning against any such demonstrations. Meanwhile, people are planning to flood the social media platforms with pictures and videos of Sunday's demonstration with #loveisstrongerthanfear. Navalny was arrested last month, upon return to Moscow from Germany, where he was being treated for alleged food poisoning by the Kremlin.

'Navalny is love': Russians plan gatherings to make candle-lit hearts on Valentine's Day

The situation in Russia has not improved since the arrest of the Kremlin critic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>, after his arrival in Moscow from Germany.

Now, a Russian court has ordered allies and Navalny's brother to be put under house arrest, fearing another wave of anti-Putin protests in the country.

The court has also ordered metro stations and streets near the Kremlin to be closed down temporarily to make sure protestors do not get access to the nearby places of Kremlin.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-to-remain-in-detention-ahead-of-hearing-next-month-359905">&nbsp;Kremlin critic Navalny to remain in detention ahead of hearing next month</a>

This order has come almost after a week of massive protests against the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tens of thousands of locals took to streets last weekend to demand the immediate release of Navalny.

On Friday, the Moscow police department announced plans to temporarily close down metro stations and nearby streets to the Kremin ahead of weekend protests.&nbsp;

These protests have been termed as 'illegal' by the local police department and authorities, while Navalny has urged his supporters to step out and fight for 'democracy'.

Now, Kremlin critic's brother, Oleg Navalny, as well as allies Lyubov Sobol, Anastasiya Vasilyeva and Oleg Stepanov have been put under house arrest till March 23 for promoting and participating in the protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-speaks-to-putin-calls-for-alexei-navalnys-release-360197">WATCH|</a>

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A member of the famous band 'Pussy Riots punk band', Maria Alyokhina, has also been put under house arrest along with other allies.

Earlier on Friday, investigators declared Leonid Volkov, a close Navalny ally, a wanted man after they formally charged him in absentia with urging teenagers to take part in unsanctioned anti-Kremlin protests last weekend.

The authorities have denounced these protests and have blamed the participants and leaders for flouting coronavirus regulations set in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

The situation in Russia has not improved since the arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, after his arrival in Moscow from Germany. Now, a Russian court has ordered allies and Navalny's brother to be put under house arrest, fearing another wave of anti-Putin protests in the country.

The situation in Russia has not improved since the arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, after his arrival in Moscow from Germany. Now, a Russian court has ordered allies and Navalny's brother to be put under house arrest, fearing another wave of anti-Putin protests in the country. The court has also ordered metro stations and streets near the Kremlin to be closed down temporarily to make sure protestors do not get access to the nearby places of Kremlin. Also read| Kremlin critic Navalny to remain in detention ahead of hearing next month This order has come almost after a week of massive protests against the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tens of thousands of locals took to streets last weekend to demand the immediate release of Navalny. On Friday, the Moscow police department announced plans to temporarily close down metro stations and nearby streets to the Kremin ahead of weekend protests. These protests have been termed as 'illegal' by the local police department and authorities, while Navalny has urged his supporters to step out and fight for 'democracy'. Now, Kremlin critic's brother, Oleg Navalny, as well as allies Lyubov Sobol, Anastasiya Vasilyeva and Oleg Stepanov have been put under house arrest till March 23 for promoting and participating in the protests. WATCH| × A member of the famous band 'Pussy Riots punk band', Maria Alyokhina, has also been put under house arrest along with other allies. Earlier on Friday, investigators declared Leonid Volkov, a close Navalny ally, a wanted man after they formally charged him in absentia with urging teenagers to take part in unsanctioned anti-Kremlin protests last weekend. The authorities have denounced these protests and have blamed the participants and leaders for flouting coronavirus regulations set in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court orders house arrest for Navalny's brother and allies

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported.

The case was opened by the Investigative Committee which is responsible for handling major crimes. The committee opened a probe for libel against Navalny in June for "discrediting the honour and dignity" of a veteran.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-to-be-detained-until-mid-feb-calls-his-supporters-to-protest-357488">Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest</a>

Incident being questioned is when the Kremlin critic took to the social media platform Twitter to criticise several people, which included a veteran who had featured om a promotional video of constitutional amendments which were passed last year, allowing the Russian president to remain in office until 2036.

Navalny had slammed the veteran as a "traitor" and had labelled him as a "shame of the country" and had accused him to be "without a conscience".

The probe has been re-opened now after his arrest. It was earlier suspended five months back when Navalny had fallen critically ill following an alleged poison attack by the Putin-led Kremlin.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-us-uk-eu-urge-russia-to-release-putin-critic-navalny-357385" hreflang="en">Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny</a>

This news has come after Navalny was sentenced to 30 days jail time in a makeshift court on Monday, and was later transferred to Matrosskaya Tishina detention centre in Moscow where he will be serving 14 days of the quarantine period for coronavirus.

Due to the quarantine period, the hearing on Wednesday may be scheduled in video format. However, his lawyers and team are still unclear and uninformed about it, they claim.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed all requests by the Western governments and groups who had called for Navalny's immediate release and had accused the Putin-led government of trying to silence all opposition voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-urges-his-supporters-to-hit-the-streets-says-dont-be-silent-take-to-the-streets-357651">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alexei-navalny-urges-his-supporters-to-hit-the-streets-says-dont-be-silent-take-to-the-streets-357651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We cannot and are not going to take these statements into account," said&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it."

The Kremlin has also urged people to not to listen to Navalny's call for protest and has said the government is 'troubled' by Navalny's calls for 'illegal' protests.

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported.

Kremlin critic and famous Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail within hours of landing in Russia. He is now due in court once again on separate charges of defaming a World War II veteran, his lawyer reported. The case was opened by the Investigative Committee which is responsible for handling major crimes. The committee opened a probe for libel against Navalny in June for "discrediting the honour and dignity" of a veteran. Also read| Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest Incident being questioned is when the Kremlin critic took to the social media platform Twitter to criticise several people, which included a veteran who had featured om a promotional video of constitutional amendments which were passed last year, allowing the Russian president to remain in office until 2036. Navalny had slammed the veteran as a "traitor" and had labelled him as a "shame of the country" and had accused him to be "without a conscience". The probe has been re-opened now after his arrest. It was earlier suspended five months back when Navalny had fallen critically ill following an alleged poison attack by the Putin-led Kremlin. Also read| Germany's Merkel, US, UK, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny This news has come after Navalny was sentenced to 30 days jail time in a makeshift court on Monday, and was later transferred to Matrosskaya Tishina detention centre in Moscow where he will be serving 14 days of the quarantine period for coronavirus. Due to the quarantine period, the hearing on Wednesday may be scheduled in video format. However, his lawyers and team are still unclear and uninformed about it, they claim. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed all requests by the Western governments and groups who had called for Navalny's immediate release and had accused the Putin-led government of trying to silence all opposition voices. WATCH| "We cannot and are not going to take these statements into account," said President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "This is absolutely a domestic affair and we will not allow anyone to interfere in it." The Kremlin has also urged people to not to listen to Navalny's call for protest and has said the government is 'troubled' by Navalny's calls for 'illegal' protests.

Alexei Navalny due in court on Wednesday; Kremlin 'troubled' by calls of 'illegal' protests

The Kremlin critic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>&nbsp;was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow&nbsp;within minutes of landing, on Sunday.

Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday.&nbsp; However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-reaches-russia-allies-arrested-at-vnukovo-airport-357343">Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport</a>

While the Russian authorities had warned him of an imminent arrest, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.
<img alt="Alexei Navalny" data-caption="Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny enters a room at the passport control point at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on January 17, 2021." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2f69315-9f81-4328-8257-ae165642db64" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Alexei%20Navalny%20%281%29.jpg" />
Immediately after the news broke out, the&nbsp;Russian prison service, FSIN, confirmed that they have detained the 44-year-old Kremlin critic. He has been detained on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling, as per a statement issued by the prison service.

Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh also confirmed the news of his detainment on Twitter saying, "Alexei was taken away by police officers at the border. With no explanation given."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-takes-off-on-plane-to-russia-despite-arrest-threat-357377">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-takes-off-on-plane-to-russia-despite-arrest-threat-357377/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His flight had been diverted to another airport in Moscow after hundreds of supporters rushed to the airport to welcome back the opposition leader. A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

His aides and associated had also been arrested by the Moscow police at the&nbsp;Vnukovo airport — where his flight was originally scheduled to land.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow within minutes of landing, on Sunday. Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was detained at the Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow within minutes of landing, on Sunday. Navalny flew back to his home country, Russia, in a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. Also read| Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport While the Russian authorities had warned him of an imminent arrest, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. Immediately after the news broke out, the Russian prison service, FSIN, confirmed that they have detained the 44-year-old Kremlin critic. He has been detained on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling, as per a statement issued by the prison service. Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh also confirmed the news of his detainment on Twitter saying, "Alexei was taken away by police officers at the border. With no explanation given." WATCH| His flight had been diverted to another airport in Moscow after hundreds of supporters rushed to the airport to welcome back the opposition leader. A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). His aides and associated had also been arrested by the Moscow police at the Vnukovo airport — where his flight was originally scheduled to land.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny detained at Moscow airport

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a>, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15.

This decision was taken after during the hearing, the state prosecutors asked the judge to jail Navalny at least for 30 days.

Shortly after his sentencing, his team released a video in which Navalny can be seen urging his supporters to take to the streets to protest against the Putin-lef government. "Do not be silent. Resist. Take to the streets -- not for me, but for you," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-reaches-russia-allies-arrested-at-vnukovo-airport-357343">Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport</a>

Navalny had flown back to his home country, Russia, after spending five months in Germany where he was undergoing treatment.&nbsp;He was evacuated to Berlin after he was allegedly poisoned by the Kremlin using a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok — an accusation repeatedly denied by the Kremlin but confirmed by several international organisations and governments, including Germany.

The 44-year-old Kremlin critic labelled his condition to be a "mockery of justice" as he was brought into a makeshift courtroom at the police station in Khimki, on the outskirts of Moscow.&nbsp;

"I've seen a lot of mockery of justice... but they have ripped up and thrown away," he said. "This is impossible. It's ultimate lawlessness."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-not-afraid-us-eu-urge-russia-to-release-putin-critic-navalny-357385">'I am not afraid': US, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny</a>

Navalny flew into Russia on a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. &nbsp;However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off.

He was then detained by the Moscow Police at a border control post on the Sheremetyevo airport within an hour of landing.

Russia's prison service, FSIN, had, within minutes, confirmed his detention, and said he was taken into custody on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling.

While the Vladimir Putin-led government has been openly voicing their intentions to arrest the opposition leader, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-detained-on-arrival-from-berlin-357477">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-detained-on-arrival-from-berlin-357477/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.

He is also facing potential new criminal charges under a probe launched late last year by Russian investigators who say he misappropriated over $4 million worth of donations — a claim denied by the Kremlin critic.

Meanwhile, several Western governments have criticised Navalny's arrest claiming this to be an attempt to silence all anti-government voices. The Russian &nbsp;Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, once again, brushed off all accusations and asked the Western countries to "respect international law, do not encroach on national legislation of sovereign states and address problems in your own country."

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, too, slammed the media and other governments for commenting on the fight between Putin and Navalny's parties. "We should probably think about our image, but we're not young ladies going to a ball," he told local reporters.

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15.

A few hours after the dramatic arrest of the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, the local police hurriedly organised a makeshift court hearing in Moscow, where he has now been sentenced to detention till February 15. This decision was taken after during the hearing, the state prosecutors asked the judge to jail Navalny at least for 30 days. Shortly after his sentencing, his team released a video in which Navalny can be seen urging his supporters to take to the streets to protest against the Putin-lef government. "Do not be silent. Resist. Take to the streets -- not for me, but for you," he said. Also read| Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport Navalny had flown back to his home country, Russia, after spending five months in Germany where he was undergoing treatment. He was evacuated to Berlin after he was allegedly poisoned by the Kremlin using a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok — an accusation repeatedly denied by the Kremlin but confirmed by several international organisations and governments, including Germany. The 44-year-old Kremlin critic labelled his condition to be a "mockery of justice" as he was brought into a makeshift courtroom at the police station in Khimki, on the outskirts of Moscow. "I've seen a lot of mockery of justice... but they have ripped up and thrown away," he said. "This is impossible. It's ultimate lawlessness." Also read| 'I am not afraid': US, EU urge Russia to release Putin critic Navalny Navalny flew into Russia on a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. He was then detained by the Moscow Police at a border control post on the Sheremetyevo airport within an hour of landing. Russia's prison service, FSIN, had, within minutes, confirmed his detention, and said he was taken into custody on "multiple violations" of a 2014 suspended sentence for fraud charges, adding that "he will be held in custody" until a court ruling. While the Vladimir Putin-led government has been openly voicing their intentions to arrest the opposition leader, Navalny had shrugged off the possibility saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." WATCH| "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. He is also facing potential new criminal charges under a probe launched late last year by Russian investigators who say he misappropriated over $4 million worth of donations — a claim denied by the Kremlin critic. Meanwhile, several Western governments have criticised Navalny's arrest claiming this to be an attempt to silence all anti-government voices. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, once again, brushed off all accusations and asked the Western countries to "respect international law, do not encroach on national legislation of sovereign states and address problems in your own country." Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, too, slammed the media and other governments for commenting on the fight between Putin and Navalny's parties. "We should probably think about our image, but we're not young ladies going to a ball," he told local reporters.

Alexei Navalny to be detained until mid-Feb; calls his supporters to protest

The Kremlin critic &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny</a> has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin.

Navalny had been in Germany for the past five months after he was flown there for treatment against a Soviet-era&nbsp;nerve agent Novichok.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-faces-arrest-as-he-flies-back-to-russia-357202">Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia</a>

He chose to fly a&nbsp;budget airline Pobeda&nbsp;from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at&nbsp;Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. His wife,&nbsp;Yulia, is also accompanying him. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo&nbsp;airport within a few hours of take-off.

Meanwhile, he has been warned that the 44-year-old Kremlin critic faces the danger of&nbsp;imminent arrest upon his arrival in Moscow after he was&nbsp;put on a national wanted list.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-provides-manuscripts-of-navalnys-interviews-to-russia-357135">Germany provides manuscripts of Navalny's interviews to Russia</a>

Navalny has been named in the wanted list because&nbsp;Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out.

He has, however, shrugged the possibility of arrest saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person."

"I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-set-to-return-to-moscow-shrugs-risks-of-being-jailed-357245">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-critic-navalny-set-to-return-to-moscow-shrugs-risks-of-being-jailed-357245/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting&nbsp;Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

He has left Berlin a day after the German government&nbsp;transmitted transcripts of interviews the German authorities&nbsp;conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August.

While the Russian government denies all accusations, several western&nbsp;international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin.

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has reached back to his home country, Russia, months after recovering from a poisoning attack carried out on him — allegedly by Kremlin. Navalny had been in Germany for the past five months after he was flown there for treatment against a Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. Also read| Kremlin critic Navalny faces arrest as he flies back to Russia He chose to fly a budget airline Pobeda from Berlin's BER airport at 1417 GMT, which was scheduled to land at Moscow's Vnukovo airport around 7:20 pm (1620 GMT) on Sunday. His wife, Yulia, is also accompanying him. However, his flight was diverted to the Sheremetyevo airport within a few hours of take-off. Meanwhile, he has been warned that the 44-year-old Kremlin critic faces the danger of imminent arrest upon his arrival in Moscow after he was put on a national wanted list. Also read| Germany provides manuscripts of Navalny's interviews to Russia Navalny has been named in the wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out. He has, however, shrugged the possibility of arrest saying, "They will arrest me? That's impossible, I'm an innocent person." "I feel I am a citizen of Russia who has the full right to return to his home," he added. WATCH| A Facebook event page has also been created in which nearly 2,000 people have expressed interest in greeting Navalny upon his return despite temperatures in Moscow hovering around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). He has left Berlin a day after the German government transmitted transcripts of interviews the German authorities conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August. While the Russian government denies all accusations, several western international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok.

Alexei Navalny reaches Russia; allies arrested at Vnukovo airport

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny's bank accounts frozen and his Moscow apartment seized as part of a lawsuit while he was recovering from a suspected poisoning in a Berlin hospital.

Kremlin critic Navalny's bank accounts frozen and apartment seized

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