Death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny confirmed by his representatives

Russian opposition leader’s death occurred on Friday, say supporters, but official cause of death remains disputed

The death of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, has been confirmed by his representatives after international leaders condemned Vladimir Putin for the demise of his once most significant political challenger.

Navalny, 47, died in jail on 16 February at 2.17pm, said his official spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, citing a message from Navalny’s mother and challenging Russia’s official explanation that Navalny died after a fall at the Arctic penal colony where he was being held.