Alexey Navalny’s team says his body is purposely being withheld by the Russian authorities so they can “cover traces”.

Mr Navalny, a staunch critic of President Vladimir Putin, was serving a 19 year jail term in an Arctic Circle prison for what many believe are politically-motivated charges.

On Friday, prison authorities confirmed his death.

According to BBC News, a spokesperson for the Russian activist says his mother and lawyer went to the morgue where officials said his body was being kept, but it was not there.

His team believes he was murdered and that the killing was ordered by President Putin.

BBC News says protests and vigils have been held near Russian embassies in many countries.

Meanwhile, more than 200 people were reportedly detained in Russian cities, amid warnings not to rally.