Vladimir Putin has repressed “more than 100” mourners protesting the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny.
Russian media announced Navalny’s death today, citing the Siberian prison service where he was serving his sentence, but did not give the cause of death or provide further information.
Protesters have gathered outside the London embassy chanting slogans critical of Putin, such as “Putin is a murderer”, “the war must end” and “love is stronger than war”.
Now, images have shown protesters in St Petersburg being detained after vigils were organized for the 47-year-old outspoken critic of President Putin.
Shocking footage shows police dragging mourners by their feet away from vigil services.
Police arrest woman who laid flowers for Alexei Navalny at memorial in St. Petersburg
More than 100 mourners who attended the vigil have reportedly been arrested.
Russian opposition politician Navalny photographed with his wife Yulia Navalnaya
People can also be seen waving their mobile phones in snowy conditions with flashlights on to pay their respects.
Navalny has been in a Russian jail since 2021 on charges widely seen as politically motivated.
The news sparked shock and anger around the world, with world leaders and commentators quick to point the finger at the Kremlin.
Both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have said Putin is “responsible” for the politician’s death.
Navalny was “brutally murdered by the Kremlin,” declared the president of Latvia.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was “obvious” that Putin had ordered the dissident’s murder.
Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s wife, has stated that she does not know if the news of his death.
This came after his spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said her team had not yet received confirmation of the death.
It comes after Russian media announced Navalny’s death today.
People wave their mobile phones with flashing lights to pay tribute to Navalny in St. Petersburg
Mourners under snow commemorate death of Russian critic
But it has been reported that his lawyer is heading to Siberia, to the prison where he is being held.
As Putin’s fiercest enemy, Navalny crusaded against official corruption and organized mass protests against the Kremlin, provoking ruthless retaliation from the Kremlin.
He once survived an assassination attempt involving the nerve agent Novichok, but returned to his homeland when he recovered, despite knowing he would be arrested.
Since then, he has been serving time on extremism charges after being sentenced to 19 years behind bars, and in December he was transferred from a prison in central Russia to a “special regime” penal colony known as “Polar Wolf.” ” over the Arctic Circle.
The 47-year-old was last seen via video link during a court hearing on Thursday.
People attend a vigil in memory of Navalny in Munich, Germany.
Supporters of the late Russian opposition leader hold banners and place candles around a makeshift memorial in Krakow, Poland.