A year after the death of Alexei Navalny in a Russian penal colony, supporters and European leaders paid tribute to the prominent opposition figure. While some commemorated him at his grave in Moscow, his widow addressed a memorial in Berlin, emphasizing the fight for a free and democratic Russia.
European leaders have condemned the Kremlin’s “ultimate responsibility” in the death of Alexei Navalny, as supporters of Russia’s best-known opposition politician held remembrance events a year after he died in an Arctic penal colony. A steady queue of people braved freezing temperatures and possible arrest in Moscow to visit Mr Navalny’s grave in Borisovskoye cemetery, while his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, was due to address a memorial ceremony in Berlin, where she is living in exile.
The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, paid tribute to Mr Navalny on Sunday, saying Vladimir Putin’s most significant challenger to date had died “because he fought for democracy and freedom in Russia”. Mr Putin “brutally combats freedom and its defenders. Mr Navalny’s work was all the more brave,” Scholz said in a social media post. “His courage made a difference and reaches far beyond his death.”Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said Mr Putin bore “ultimate responsibility” for Mr Navalny’s death. Mr Navalny “gave his life for a free and democratic Russia”, she said, calling for the release of all political prisoners in the country. “As Russia intensifies its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, it also continues its internal repression, targeting those who stand for democracy,” Ms Kallas said, adding that Mr Navalny’s lawyers and “hundreds of others . . . remain unjustly imprisoned”. In a video released on Sunday, Ms Navalnaya said opposition supporters “know why we are fighting: for a future Russia free, peaceful and beautiful. The one Alexei dreamed of is possible; do everything to make his dream come true”. Ms Navalnaya, a leading figure in Russia’s weakened and fractured opposition, most of whose members are now in exile, accused Mr Putin of trying to “erase our memory of Alexei’s name, of hiding the truth about his murder and forcing us to give up”. She said: “Everyone can do something: protest, write to political prisoners, change the minds of those close to you, support each other. Alexei inspires people ... who understand that our country is not just about war, corruption and oppression.”Mr Navalny died aged 47 on February 16th last year in the Polar Wolf penal colony in Kharp, to where he had been transferred in 2023. He was arrested in 2021 after returning to Russia from medical treatment in Germany for novichok nerve agent poisoning. He was declared an “extremist” by Russian authorities, meaning anyone who mentions his name or that of his Anti-Corruption Foundation without also saying they are “extremist” can be fined or, for repeat offences, jailed for up to four years. Participation in an organisation designated as “extremist” is punishable by up to six years in prison, and even public displays of “symbols” of an extremist organisation – including photos of Mr Navalny or his name – risk a fine or stint in a police cell. Despite posts on pro-Kremlin Telegram channels warning of “Big Brother and his ever-watchful eye” and including a photo of a security camera sign at the cemetery, several hundred people gathered at Borisovskoye on Sunday. Russia has never fully explained Mr Navalny’s death, which came less than a month before a presidential election that extended Putin’s more than two-decade rule, saying only that it happened as he was walking in the prison yard. The opposition figurehead had continued to call for Russians to oppose the Kremlin and denounced Moscow’s Ukraine offensive, even from behind bars
ALEXEI NAVALNY RUSSIA KREMLIN OPPOSITION DEATH PRISON UKRAINE WAR EU GERMANY BERLIN MOSCOW
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Conor McGregor joins Donald Trump supporters at victory rally in USFormer UFC champion was among attendees at rally on eve of Trump’s inauguration in Washington DC
Read more »
Healy-Rae Defends Opposition Speaking Rights for Government SupportersMinister Michael Healy-Rae argues that opposition parties are overreacting to a proposal that would allow Independent TDs supporting the Government to receive Opposition speaking time. He states that Fianna Fáil, while in a confidence supply arrangement, effectively held the Government accountable while supporting them. Healy-Rae emphasizes the need for common sense in governing and believes the incoming coalition will be based on collaboration and a willingness to listen to the public's concerns.
Read more »
Football supporters in court over disturbance on Ryanair flight from DublinThe group had hoped to fly to London that morning to catch for the Dinamo Zagreb v Arsenal FC Champions League clash
Read more »
Khabib Nurmagomedov Thanks Irish Supporters for Palestine SolidarityAfter his cousin's win in Dubai, Khabib Nurmagomedov expressed his appreciation for Ireland's support of Palestine, seemingly ending the rivalry with Conor McGregor.
Read more »
Hurling is such a local obsession in Tipperary so where have the supporters gone?The cold distance between the Tipperary team and the Tipperary public has troubled Liam Cahill him for a while
Read more »
'All they're doing is drinking': Fans critical of boozed-up supporters at Aviva'They're not watching the game, all they're doing is drinking'
Read more »