A well-known Russian actor who was a critic of the Kremlin has been found dead.
Russian media quoted law enforcement sources as saying the body of Aleksei Devotchenko was found in his rented apartment in northern Moscow on November 5.
Police sources initially told Russian media they suspected his death was of a "criminal nature," a phrase frequently used to suggest politics were not involved.
Subsequent reports quoted police as saying the 49-year-old actor may have died of a heart attack and that there were indications he had been drinking.
A versatile stage and screen actor, Devotchenko had spoken at antigovernment protests and criticized Russia's recent actions in Ukraine.
He signed an opposition petition in 2010 calling for Vladimir Putin, then prime minister, to resign.
In 2011, Devotchenko said he was renouncing two state awards and his designation as a "Distinguished Russian Artist".
