MOSCOW, Russia — The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny continues to raise questions as his team insists it was a murder, while Russian authorities claim it was due to “sudden death syndrome.”
Navalny, 47, passed away on Friday in Russia’s IK-3 penal colony in remote Kharp, about 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow. His spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, stated, “Alexey Navalny was murdered. His death occurred on February 16 at 2:17 p.m. local time, according to the official message to Alexey’s mother.”
According to Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service, Navalny collapsed and died after feeling unwell during a walk, which they initially attributed to “sudden death syndrome,” a medical condition involving cardiac issues that cause unexpected death.
However, Navalny’s family has demanded the government provide them with his remains immediately, as they were informed that his body was not in the morgue in Salekhard, the town closest to IK-3. In response, Navalny’s team accused the authorities of trying to cover their tracks and avoid handing over his body to the family.
Following Navalny’s death, videos shared online showed authorities forcibly removing people from areas where tributes were being given, and up to 340 people were detained.
Vice President Harris mentioned Navalny at the Munich Security Conference, calling him “a brave leader who stood up against corruption and autocracy,” and expressing outrage over his death.
Russian authorities have claimed that the investigation into Navalny’s death has been completed, but his team remains unconvinced and continues to demand that his body be handed over to the family for immediate burial.