In Moscow’s Maryino district, supporters of Russian dissident Alexey Navalny gathered at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God to pay their final respects to the man they consider a hero. Despite the risk of arrest, mourners lined up, each holding a red carnation, symbolizing a small act of resistance in a country where political opposition is scarce. Chants of “ne prostim” (we won’t forgive) were directed at President Vladimir Putin, indicating the deep-seated discontent among Navalny’s supporters.
Navalny’s funeral proceeded after bureaucratic delays and official obfuscation, possibly signaling the Kremlin’s confidence in its crackdown on dissent. Although a heavy police presence was observed to prevent any protests from escalating, the event unfolded without major disturbances. However, 91 people were reported arrested in 19 cities across Russia on the day of the funeral, highlighting ongoing tensions.
The recent full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia intensified the consequences of public protest within the country. Stricter penalties for defaming the military were introduced, leading to an exodus of hundreds of thousands of Russians, including many of Navalny’s supporters. With Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, currently out of the country, and Putin poised for re-election, the future of Navalny’s opposition movement remains uncertain.
Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, Navalny remained an active political player, continuing his digitally engaged activism. His imprisonment in a remote penal colony was aimed at breaking him physically and psychologically, yet he remained a symbol of resistance. Even in death, Navalny’s sense of humor and pop-culture references persisted, with music from his favorite film, Terminator 2, playing at his funeral.
Comments