Briefly

RUSSIA

Opposition leader Navalny dies in prison

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Friday at a prison where he was serving a 19-year term, Russia's federal penitentiary service said in a statement. He was 47. "Navalny felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness. Medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called. Resuscitation measures were carried out, which did not yield positive results. Paramedics confirmed the death of the convict. The causes of death are being established," the statement said. President Vladimir Putin has been told of Navalny's death, state news agency TASS reported. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia's penitentiary service was making all checks regarding the death, but he had no information about the matter.

UNITED KINGDOM

Labour deals double blow to Sunak's party

Britain's ruling Conservatives lost two more parliamentary seats to Labour in by-elections on Friday, highlighting the challenges Prime Minister Rishi Sunak must face to win a general election due this year. Labour candidate Damien Egan won the House of Commons seat of Kingswood in southwestern England, and Labour's Gen Kitchen took Wellingborough in the country's center, results announced on Friday showed. The Conservatives won both by large margins at the last national election in 2019, but saw support collapse in Thursday's special elections. "People want change and are ready to put their faith in a changed Labour Party to deliver it," said its leader Keir Starmer.

INDIA

At least 11 killed in paint factory fire

A massive fire swept through a paint factory in India's capital New Delhi, killing at least 11 people and leaving four others injured, news agency Press Trust of India reported. Fire officials said the blaze started late on Thursday on the ground floor of the factory, trapping victims on the floors above with no way out. The building, also housing a chemical warehouse, is located in the Alipur area in northern New Delhi. Authorities said the fire had since been contained and the cause of the blast was yet to be determined.

Agencies - Xinhua