People lay flowers at the Wall of Grief monument to the victims of political repressions to honour the memory of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow, Russia February 17, 2024. REUTERS/Stringe
Hundreds of flowers and candles were laid in Moscow on Friday to commemorate Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most prominent opposition leader, but were subsequently removed overnight in black bags. Russia’s prison service reported that Navalny, aged 47, became unconscious and passed away on Friday following a walk at the “Polar Wolf” Arctic penal colony. Confirmation of his death was provided by Navalny’s spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, on Saturday, citing an official notification given to his mother, Lyudmila. Despite the removal of most tributes, several dozen roses and carnations remained on Saturday at the monument to the victims of Soviet repression in central Moscow.
Vladimir Nikitin, 36, was observed laying a carnation at the Solovetsky Stone, which originates from the islands of the same name in the White Sea, where one of the earliest “Gulag” forced labor camps was established in 1923. When approached for an interview, Nikitin requested to speak in an underpass beneath Lubyanka Square, citing concerns of potential detention. Reflecting on Navalny’s passing, Nikitin expressed sorrow, emphasizing Navalny’s bravery in speaking truth to power despite the risks involved.
At the “Wall of Sorrow” memorial on the avenue named after Soviet physicist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, some individuals placed flowers beside images of Navalny, conveying messages of remembrance and determination. The response from Western leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, attributed blame to President Vladimir Putin for Navalny’s demise, although no evidence was cited. In contrast, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denounced the Western reaction as unacceptable and overly aggressive.
Russian authorities have characterized Navalny and his supporters as extremists with alleged ties to the CIA, aiming to destabilize Russia. His movement has been outlawed, leading many of his followers to seek refuge abroad. Navalny’s death deprives the Russian opposition of its most charismatic and courageous figure as Putin gears up for an election that could extend his tenure until at least 2030.
Following Navalny’s death, protests and memorial gatherings were reported across Russia, resulting in numerous arrests. Navalny gained prominence over a decade ago for exposing and satirizing what he described as the widespread corruption and excesses among the ruling elite in Putin’s Russia. Despite facing multiple convictions on charges of extremism and fraud, which he contested as politically motivated, Navalny continued to be a symbol of resistance for many Russians.
While some, both domestically and internationally, viewed Navalny as a symbol akin to Nelson Mandela, destined to lead Russia to a better future, others dismissed this portrayal as wishful thinking. A prevailing sentiment among some Russians suggested skepticism towards Navalny’s legacy and emphasized Putin’s enduring popularity.
The news of Navalny’s passing coincided with Ukraine’s withdrawal from the southern city of Avdiivka, marking a significant advancement for Russia in the ongoing conflict. Amid these developments, sentiments expressed by some Russians reflected a distrust of the West and a perception of antagonism, particularly concerning events in Ukraine.
Despite the solemn occasion, scenes of nightlife in Moscow’s Patriarch’s Ponds district revealed little outward mourning for Navalny’s passing, with some individuals expressing skepticism towards Western portrayals of him. Meanwhile, on the bridge near the Kremlin where opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was assassinated in 2015, floral tributes were also removed overnight, leaving behind a poignant reminder of past tragedies amidst the snowy landscape.
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