The Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny Dead

[Lottij]

He was feeling unwell after a walk, apparently.

Putin was always going to get him, I don't think anyone doubted it, but my stomach dropped when I just read it.

This is awful news

Yes. And not just his family. Vladimir Kara-Murza's wife must be in utter despair today, imagining the same fate for her husband who equally voluntarily re-entered the lion's den.

Thanks @Abeona I’ve seen Konstantin give talks before. A really insightful watch so that people can understand why Russians aren’t protesting in the streets. It will take a couple of generations for this to end, if it does. Not to mention Eastern European governments are full of pro Russian parties and pro Russian politicians. It will be a long time coming before they can eradicate all of this sadly

Indeed. He was no supporter of Ukraine or Georgia against Russian oppression violence and colonial ambition.

If he managed to oust Putin there's every chance Russia would be continuing on the same path.

He was fine yesterday, appearing in court via video link and his mother saw him a few days and said he was fine.

How many opponents/critics has Putin bumped off in the last 10 years? Plus those we in the West never hear anything about. Apparently this is not getting much reporting in Russia as Putin prefers to ignore him. In fact as it's shown on the documentary he can't even bear to mention his name.

For those who haven't seen it , this amazing documentary is still on iplayer for 3 weeks. Of course he had his faults but it shows Navalny as being brave, funny and charming. The scenes where he rings up his would-be assassins and ends up discovering exactly how they poisoned him are gobsmacking.

I would very highly recommend it.

Putin has been emboldened by the lack of real reaction to his ambitions

A brave man indeed. Fighting for what he believed. Although, all said and done, he is just as imperialist as Putin. His views were marginally better, and he was Western leaning (but not at first), hence why the West support him.

So while sad, we mustn't forget if he came near power, we would likely see a similar Russia, only slightly more open to get Western access.

Just saw this. head in hands time. Putin, you absolute arse.
Its barely being reported on Russian TV.
Just no words, FFS.....

I had a tearful moment when I heard this news. It’s like a light has gone out. He was so brave in the face of such evil. 😢

I really despise those US Republicans who are making aid for Ukraine contingent upon getting their own way in domestic politics. I hate that we're giving the Ukrainians just enough help to keep on fighting but not enough help to win. I will never understand those 'everything Western is evil' people who have nothing to say about a regime that blatantly murders political opponents. Tucker Carlson really tested my belief in free speech. Most journalists would, rightly, want to interview Vladimir Putin but that was Lord Haw-Haw levels of propagandising.

I am horrified. Bad seems to win over good.

they probably only let him live until now so they could torture him for info. bastards.

his poor family

Just goes to show. I shall try and read more about this. And to @Ursulla

An extremely brave man.

RIP one of the bravest people of the 21st century. I don’t need to agree with his political outlook to recognise his courage and the hope for Russia that he inspired.

This is such sad news and, as others have said, what a brave rave man. Putin is a small, pathetic POS that he needs to kill people who are more popular than him.

Novichok or similar?
Too many people willing to do Putin’s bidding.

Brave man.

I love this quote.
I never heard it before.

It's terrible, my heart goes out to his family and kids. It's unclear if they murdered him, but it wouldn't be a shock.

Reporter Gonzalo Lira, dual citizen of Chile and the US, met his demise in a Ukrainian prison.

The world of politics can be deadly. I'm unsure I'd want to be a reporter or politician.

The person you referenced died in hospital of pneumonia. Please don't elevate a "dating coach" grifter with Navalny.

Aye. Not that he had sufficient support, but had he managed it, it would be pretty much the same only with a fascist in charge.

I mean I know that Putin gives nods to supremacy but it strikes me as more of a means to an end for him. But with Navalny, going on what he said it looked like he genuinely believed in exterminating Jews and Muslims.

This

I don't agree with some of his more extreme views but there is no denying his bravery

The award winning documentary is worth watching and you can feel the real sense of dread when he arrived back in russia.

I can't fathom why he ever went back.
He should have stayed outside Russia and kept hope for regime change.

This is absolutely devastating news for his beautiful, courageous family and the people of Russia. He was a hero. It is terrifying that this can happen.

Commenting to keep this visible. Watching the documentary again tonight. Such sad times for his family and country.