Why the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is convenient for Putin

Mr Alexei Navalny’s death came precisely a month before Russia’s general election, in which Mr Vladimir Putin is seeking another six-year presidential term.

Alexei Navalny’s death came a month before Russia’s presidential election in March 2024. Mr Putin is seeking another term.

PHOTO: AFP

Jonathan Eyal

LONDON – It is unlikely that the world will ever know the real circumstances leading to

the sudden death of Alexei Navalny

, the charismatic 47-year-old key Russian opposition leader. He – at least according to the Russian authorities – simply “lost consciousness” on Feb 16 in a detention facility and “could no longer be resuscitated”.

Still, dying in sudden and inexplicable circumstances is what happens to most of those who dare oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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