Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Dies in Arctic Prison

MOSCOW: Russia’s prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, has died in an Arctic Circle prison, where he was serving a politically charged 19-year sentence.

 Navalny, a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, was transferred to a tough penal colony in the Arctic last year. The prison service reported that Navalny “felt unwell” after a walk, losing consciousness, and emergency efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

 His death raises concerns about political repression in Russia, where Navalny had been a leading figure in opposition movements. The cause of death is under investigation. Navalny’s lawyer refrained from immediate comments.