Alexei Navalny death: Over 170 supporters arrested in support rallies across Russia

Russian law enforcement, as reported by the Moscow Times, has arrested over 170 individuals at spontaneous memorials for Navalny held throughout the country. On Friday (Feb 16), Russian authorities issued warnings advising against participating in demonstrations.

Additionally, the British government announced its decision to summon the Russian embassy to convey its stance about Russian authorities being entirely responsible for the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Expressing deep concern, the foreign ministry stressed on the necessity for a thorough and transparent investigation into Navalny's death at an Arctic penal colony, reported Reuters.

British Foreign Minister David Cameron asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin should be held accountable for Navalny's demise. While attending a security conference in Munich, Cameron also stressed on the need for consequences, highlighting Navalny's courageous fight against corruption and for democracy.

Both Cameron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Navalny, acknowledging his significant role as a staunch advocate for Russian democracy. Sunak praised Navalny as a fearless fighter for justice, underscoring the profound impact of his activism.

Also read | 'From Ho-ho-ho to I love you': Here's how Putin critic Alexei Navalny described his last days in Arctic prison

Supporters offer tribute across US, Europe

Supporters of Navalny gathered across Europe and the United States on Friday (Feb 16) to honour the prominent opposition figure, who was widely recognised as Russia's leading dissident even during his imprisonment.

Navalny's death was confirmed on Friday by officials at the Arctic prison where he was serving a 19-year sentence.

From New York and Washington to various cities in Western Europe and capitals of former Soviet states, mourners paid tribute to Navalny, a charismatic lawyer who galvanised domestic opposition against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Many attendees attributed Navalny's death to Putin, with chants of "Putin murderer! Putin to The Hague" echoing outside Russian embassy in Berlin, referencing the International Criminal Court.

In Warsaw, demonstrators gathered outside the Russian embassy, while in Switzerland, hundreds convened outside Zurich's railway station and in front of the United Nations in Geneva, carrying portraits of Navalny and white flowers.

Also watch | Biden: Putin and his thugs caused Navalny's death

In Moscow, small groups laid flowers at makeshift memorials, and similar scenes unfolded in cities like London, Vilnius, and New York, where people expressed grief and condemnation of Putin's regime.

Navalny, allegedly collapsed and died at the "Polar Wolf" penal colony where he was serving a lengthy prison sentence. The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability within Russia and beyond.

(With inputs from agencies)