Yulia Navalnaya, the spouse of the late Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny, has urged the public to persist in the struggle for a “free and peaceful” Russia, one year after his passing in prison. “We are resolute in our fight for a future Russia that Alexey envisioned – a liberated, serene, and magnificent nation. It is achievable,” expressed Navalnaya in a video released on her late husband’s YouTube channel on Sunday. “Let us exert every effort to turn his aspirations into reality.”
On February 16, 2024, Navalny, who had been held captive since 2021, passed away at the age of 47. The Russian correctional authorities stated that Navalny had “become unwell following a stroll” and “almost instantaneously” lost consciousness.
Nonetheless, Navalnaya, along with former US President Joe Biden, has blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for Navalny’s demise. The Kremlin has refuted these accusations.
Over the weekend, extensive queues of individuals were spotted congregating near and laying flowers at the grave of the outspoken Kremlin critic in Moscow, as per footage captured by the Associated Press (AP).
Among the attendees at the snow-covered cemetery in southeast Moscow were Navalny’s parents, Anatoly and Lyudmila, who stood somberly beside their son’s grave alongside Alla Abrosimova, Navalnaya’s mother.
Navalnaya revealed that she has spent the last year vocalizing her concerns about the situation in Russia, carrying on her husband’s legacy. Navalny had been a thorn in Putin’s side, exposing corruption at the highest echelons and orchestrating some of the most significant anti-government demonstrations in recent memory.
“I witness how Alexey’s name serves as an inspiration to individuals worldwide. They comprehend that our nation is not solely defined by conflict, corruption, and oppression. Russia comprises you and me – those who refuse to stay silent, those who persevere in the struggle,” remarked Navalnaya in the video.
In 2021, Navalny returned to Russia from Germany, where he had undergone treatment following a poisoning incident involving Novichok, a nerve agent of Soviet origin. Upon his return, he was promptly detained on charges he dismissed as politically motivated.
Mourners conveyed to AP on Sunday that paying homage to Navalny was a gesture of “protest” in contemporary Russia, where the authorities have escalated efforts to suppress freedom of expression.
An individual named Alexander from Moscow described Navalny as someone who “fought like no other” to effect change in the country. Another resident, Anastasia, noted the anniversary of his passing as a “difficult day” but affirmed that his followers would “continue to honor his memory for a long time.”
“There will never be another like him,” remarked Anastasia to AP.
Eighteen nations, including various European countries, Australia,
The statement highlighted the dedication of individuals who are working tirelessly to construct a brighter future for Russia despite facing significant personal risks,” the statement further emphasized. To access additional CNN news and newsletters, be sure to register for an account on CNN.com.
