Navalny Spokesperson Claims Murder, Body Withheld

A spokesperson for Alexei Navalny has taken to social media to announce the death of the prominent Russian opposition leader, claiming he was “murdered” and accusing Russian authorities of obstructing efforts to retrieve his body. The announcement follows the Russian prison system’s report of Navalny’s death on Friday, which initially left members of Navalny’s team unable to confirm his passing.

Spokesperson Kira Yarmysh stated that Navalny’s death occurred at 2:17 p.m. on February 16, as conveyed to Navalny’s mother. Yarmysh demanded the immediate handover of Navalny’s body to his family. However, when a lawyer and Navalny’s mother went to the morgue in Salekhard, where the body was reportedly held, they were informed that it was not there.

Yarmysh further alleged that Russian prison officials claimed the body was being investigated by a committee and was located at a morgue in Salekhard, near Navalny’s prison colony. However, when pressed for information, the Salekhard Investigative Committee stated that the cause of death had not been established and new examinations were underway, with results expected the following week. Yarmysh dismissed these statements as lies, accusing authorities of trying to avoid handing over the body.

Later, Yarmysh claimed that Navalny’s lawyers were informed by the Investigative Committee that the investigation had concluded and no criminal activity had been established. This prompted skepticism from Yarmysh, who accused authorities of misleading them and covering their tracks.

Navalny, known as one of Putin’s most vocal critics, had previously survived a poisoning attempt. He was serving multiple prison sentences, including a 19-year term on charges of extremism widely viewed as politically motivated. Concerns about his safety had been raised by his supporters, especially after he was moved to a remote penal colony without warning. Navalny had appeared in good spirits the day before his death during a court appearance, where he reportedly joked with the judge.

President Joe Biden directly held Putin responsible for Navalny’s death in a speech on Friday, further escalating tensions. However, the Russian Prison Service reported that Navalny fell ill after a walk, lost consciousness, and despite efforts by medical workers, could not be resuscitated. The cause of death is still under investigation.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denounced world leaders’ suggestions of foul play in Navalny’s death as “outrageous and unacceptable,” while Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized western leaders for making accusations without waiting for forensic examination results.

In response to Navalny’s death, memorials were held across Russia, resulting in over 270 arrests, according to the protest monitoring group OVD-Info. The situation remains tense as Navalny’s supporters and the international community seek answers regarding his death.