Navalny supporters hold demonstrations to mark Russian opposition leader’s 47th birthday

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Supporters of Alexei Navalny defied government crackdowns on dissent to hold demonstrations and pickets across Russia on Sunday, marking the imprisoned opposition leader’s 47th birthday. Despite facing a nine-year prison sentence on charges of fraud and contempt of court, Navalny remains hopeful for a better future in Russia. He believes that the charges were fabricated in retaliation for his efforts to expose official corruption and organize anti-Kremlin protests. Presently, Navalny faces additional extremism charges that could prolong his imprisonment for decades, seen by critics as another attempt by the Russian government to isolate President Vladimir Putin’s prominent adversary.

In solidarity with Navalny, his associates called for demonstrations in Russia and abroad. Despite the risk of personal consequences, supporters staged individual pickets and created graffiti to commemorate his birthday. Unfortunately, at least 90 people were detained during these events, according to the OVD-Info group, which monitors political arrests.

Notably, the police heightened their presence in downtown Moscow and swiftly apprehended individuals attempting to stage individual pickets, including a man who managed to distribute leaflets before being taken away. Among those detained was a woman holding a small black balloon with the words “Happy Birthday!” and wearing a hoodie that read “You aren’t alone.” Despite questioning the officers, she received no response.

Navalny’s supporters also organized one-person pickets and displayed signs and graffiti in his support in St. Petersburg and other cities across Russia. Furthermore, pro-Navalny demonstrations took place in several European cities.

In a social media post released by his allies, Navalny expressed his preference for spending his birthday with a family breakfast, receiving kisses from his children, and gifts. However, he acknowledged that achieving social progress and a better future requires individuals who are willing to pay the price for their beliefs. Navalny emphasized that as the number of such people increases, the individual burden diminishes. He expressed his belief that a day will come when truth-telling and advocating for justice in Russia become routine and non-threatening.

Navalny’s arrest in January 2021 occurred upon his return to Moscow after recovering in Germany from a nerve-agent poisoning incident that he attributed to the Kremlin. Initially, he received a 2½-year prison sentence for a parole violation, followed by a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court. Currently, he is serving his sentence in a maximum-security prison located 250 kilometers (150 miles) east of Moscow. The new extremism charges against Navalny, which could lead to 30 years of imprisonment, stem from his anti-corruption foundation and statements made by his top associates. His allies argue that these charges retroactively criminalize all the activities of Navalny’s foundation since its establishment in 2011.

These fresh accusations coincide with an intensified government crackdown on dissent during the conflict in Ukraine, a topic on which Navalny has been openly critical. A Moscow court has scheduled a preliminary hearing to address technical matters related to Navalny’s new trial, dismissing his lawyers’ request for additional time to review the extensive charges, which he dismissed as “absurd.” Navalny also claims to have been informed by an investigator that he will face a separate trial in a military court on terrorism charges, carrying a potential life sentence.

Despite his circumstances, Navalny views his prison term as an unpleasant aspect of his favored job. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and emphasized his commitment to not succumbing to bitterness or losing his nonchalant demeanor, recognizing that such a path would lead to defeat. Navalny attributes his resilience to the unwavering support he receives from his followers.

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More about Alexei Navalny, opposition leader, demonstrations, crackdown, dissent, birthday, Russia

• Alexei Navalny – Wikipedia
• Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation
• Russia: Crackdown on Dissent
• Amnesty International – Russia
• Human Rights Watch – Russia
• BBC News: Alexei Navalny