Death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny confirmed by his representatives

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

The death of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, has been confirmed by his representatives, who are calling for the return of his body amid confusion over the cause of the death of Putin's once most significant political challenger.

Navalny, 47, died in jail on 16 February at 2.17pm local time, 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.