February 17, 2024 at 2:09 PM GMT
Russian authorities have yet to disclose the cause of Alexey Navalny’s sudden passing, and his family is unable to locate his body, as per statements from the opposition leader’s spokeswoman.
The activist’s demise was confirmed through an “official message” to his mother, with the time recorded at 2:17 p.m. on Friday, shared Kira Yarmysh, the spokeswoman, in a post on X.
Despite being informed that Navalny’s remains were transferred to the morgue in Salekhard, a remote city close to the prison facility where he was detained, his body is not present there, Yarmysh stated.
As per Russian law, the release of a body can be postponed for a maximum of two days from the moment the cause of death is determined.
The Investigative Committee in Salekhard informed one of Navalny’s attorneys that the cause of death has yet to be established, and a new histological examination is underway, Yarmysh conveyed. The committee indicated that Navalny’s body will not be released to his family until the investigation concludes, she added.
Navalny, aged 47, the foremost opponent of President Vladimir Putin, passed away in a secluded Arctic prison colony, IK-3, near Salekhard. His demise was announced on the cusp of the official campaign for the March 17 presidential election, where Putin is vying for a fifth term. Numerous Western leaders accused the Kremlin, with some directing blame at Putin himself.