Protests and vigils have been held near Russian embassies in many countries following the death in a Russian jail of Alexei Navalny, outspoken critic of President Putin.
Over 100 street protesters were detained in Russian cities, reports say, as people were warned not to rally.
The 47-year-old outspoken critic of President Putin had been in a Russian jail since 2021 on politically-motivated charges.
The prison service of the Arctic region where he was serving his sentence announced on Friday that he had died.
US President Joe Biden says Vladimir Putin is “responsible” for Navalny’s death.
In August, Navalny was found guilty of founding and funding an extremist organisation, which he denies, and was given an extra 19 years in jail.
He had already been sentenced to nine years for parole violations, fraud and contempt of court.
Visibly shaken, Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, said she didn’t know whether the “horrible news” was true – stressing that President Vladimir Putin would be held accountable if that was the case.
Navalny’s team said their lawyer was flying to the prison, promising to provide an update when they could.
More than 100 street protesters were detained on Friday evening in several Russian cities – after the authorities had warned against holding public rallies.
Demonstrations and vigils took place near Russian embassies in many countries to express outrage at the death of Putin’s most vocal critic.
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron told the BBC “there should be consequences.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Navalny had been “killed by Putin.”
Navalny had been in jail since 2021 on charges widely viewed as politically motivated.
