Navalny was close to being freed in prisoner swap between Russia and West - ally

A person gestures in front of portraits of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny as people attend a protest and vigil held in front of the Russian embassy following the death of Navalny, in Kappara, Malta, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi/File Photo

(Reuters) -Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny was "killed" because he was close to being freed in a prisoner swap and President Vladimir Putin could not tolerate the thought of him being released, a close ally alleged on Monday.

Navalny, 47, died at an Arctic penal colony on Feb. 16. The Kremlin, which casts Navalny and his supporters as U.S.-backed extremists, has denied state involvement in his death. Navalny's death certificate, according to supporters, said he died of natural causes.