According to a spokesperson, the body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was returned to his mother

Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, has had his body returned to his mother, his spokesperson announced on Saturday.

According to the nation's prison service, 47-year-old Navalny passed away last week. At the time of his death, he was serving a combined 30 ½-year prison sentence.

"We are incredibly appreciative of everyone who has been pressing us for this. Lyudmila Ivanovna is currently in Salekhard, according to a translated post on X by Kira Yarmys, a spokesman for Navalny. "We don’t know whether the authorities will interfere with carrying them out the way the family wants and as Alexey deserves. As soon as information is available, we will provide it.

According to the Russian Federal Prison Service, Navalny passed away after becoming unwell after going for a walk. An emergency medical team carried out all "necessary resuscitation measures," according to the prison service, but they were unsuccessful.