Aleksei Navalny, who was sentenced for crimes such as establishing an extremist organization, financing this organization and engaging in anti-regime actions, as well as embezzlement etc., was found dead at a penal colony on February 16, 2024.

Navalny was 47 years old when he died in prison, where he was exiled for the crimes mentioned. The 47-year-old lawyer, who was the face of the Russian opposition, was also known as an important factor in the tensions between the West and Russia. The discussions following his death continue to be an indicator of this matter.

If we take a look at the process that ended with the death of Alexei Navalny, it can be said that the turning point of the story was 2021. The process started with Navalny receiving treatment in Germany for a while after he was allegedly poisoned on the plane, and then returning to Russia on January 17, 2021, and then being sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. 

In the following period, serious protests took place in Russia. Then the Ukraine crisis started and Navalny was sentenced to another 9 years in prison on different charges due to his anti-war stance. And lastly, his sentence was renewed as 19 years in August 2023.

The cause of his death causes controversy. However, the Russian government announced that Navalny died naturally and that the Russian authorities will not assume any responsibility.