EDITOR'S CORNER: The Death of Alexei Navalny

On February 16, 2024, the world was shaken by the news of Alexei Navalny's death. While the announcement was shocking, it wasn't entirely unexpected. Just four days prior, on February 12, Navalny had appeared on camera during a court session, looking noticeably frail yet seemingly in good health. He engaged in jokes and exhibited normal behavior. However, initial reports were scant on details, leaving the cause of his death shrouded in mystery.

In this blog post, we delve into the life of Navalny, examining the circumstances surrounding his death. We explore the potential impact of this event on Russia, questioning whether it will instigate any significant changes. Additionally, we consider the reactions expected from the West in response to this tragic incident.

WHO WAS ALEXEI NAVALNY?

Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny, born on June 4, 1976, in the village of Butyn near Moscow, Russia, emerged as a prominent figure in Russian opposition. A lawyer, anti-corruption activist, and political prisoner, Navalny dedicated his career to advocating for political reforms and combating corruption, often directing his efforts towards President Vladimir Putin and the government. His impactful role in the opposition involved organizing anti-government demonstrations, running for political office, and establishing the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), which was disbanded in 2020.

Navalny's endeavors gained international acclaim, with Amnesty International recognizing him as a prisoner of conscience and the awarding of the 2021 Sakharov Prize for his commitment to human rights.

Utilizing various platforms, Navalny effectively communicated with the public, boasting 6.23 million YouTube subscribers and 2.9 million Twitter followers. Through social media, he and his team exposed corruption in Russia, orchestrated political demonstrations, and promoted their campaigns.

However, Navalny faced persistent legal challenges. Convicted with suspended sentences for embezzlement in 2013 and 2014, they were widely perceived as politically motivated attempts to hinder his participation in elections. Despite the European Court of Human Rights ruling that these cases violated his right to a fair trial, the sentences remained unoverturned.

On August 20, 2020, Navalny fell victim to poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent during a flight from Tomsk to Moscow. Initially, he was hospitalized in Omsk, Russia. Later, he was evacuated to Charite Hospital in Berlin, Germany. The use of the nerve agent was confirmed by five OPCW-certified laboratories, revealing that it was a new type of Novichok not covered by the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Navalny's team accused Russian dictator Vladimir Putin of orchestrating the poisoning, a claim vehemently denied by the Kremlin. They alleged that Navalny had strong ties to the CIA. In response, the EU and the UK imposed sanctions on Russia, attributing the poisoning to the Russian security services. A joint investigation by the citizen investigator group Bellingcat and The Insider revealed FSB agents' involvement.

Upon recovering from the poisoning, Alexei Navalny left Germany and flew back to Russia on January 17, 2021. He was immediately detained upon arrival, sparking widespread protests. He received a prison sentence of 2.5 years, and his organization was labeled as extremist and liquidated. Further trials in 2022 and 2023 resulted in additional lengthier prison sentences.

His family includes his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, and their two children. Their 23-year-old daughter, Daria, is studying at Stanford University, and their teenage son is named Zakhar.

THE CIRCUMSTANCES AROUND HIS DEATH

On 16th February, the Russian Federal Penitentiary Services announced Navalny's death. He was incarcerated in the corrective colony FKU IK-3, located in Kharp, in the Russian Arctic. 

The confirmation of Navalny's death was at first dubious as the family and team were not notified of anything on Friday. The next day, confirmation of his death came from his spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh. She urged the swift return of Navalny's body to his family, a request made before the conclusion of the Russian investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The official cause of death has not been disclosed. Navalny was 47 years old at the time of his passing.

In the aftermath of Navalny's death, widespread protests and gatherings erupted in various countries, including Russia, where authorities detained hundreds of protesters. Western officials and Russian opposition activists held Russian authorities accountable for Navalny's demise, with some explicitly accusing President Vladimir Putin of murder, though no evidence was cited to support these allegations. 

WILL HIS DEATH CHANGE ANYTHING IN RUSSIA?

Navalny's death has sent a chilling message to critics of the Kremlin, underscoring the notion that no one is immune. For those who dare to speak out against the government, incarceration alone is deemed insufficient; the ultimate price for the freedom of expression appears to be one's life.

Despite Navalny's demise, I remain skeptical that any substantial change will occur. He stood as one of the last opposition leaders in Russia, boasting a significant following and international acclaim. With his passing, a void now exists, leaving Russia empty of any meaningful opposition to counter Putin's influence. Alexei Navalny held such a prominent position as the "Number One Enemy" in the eyes of Vladimir Putin that the Russian leader refused even to utter his name.

The timing of Navalny's death adds a layer of significance, coinciding with the commencement of the Munich Security Conference, where Russian officials were conspicuously absent. Noteworthy dissident figures, such as Yulia Navalnaya, were, however, present. Furthermore, the timing aligns with the upcoming Russian Presidential elections scheduled for March 15 to 17, 2024. Some may interpret this sequence of events as a manifestation of Putin's paranoia, suggesting that he orchestrated Navalny's demise to eliminate any potential challengers ahead of the elections.

An alternative scenario posits that Navalny's death was accidental, potentially stemming from the deplorable conditions in the prison. The guards, notorious for their brutality, may have inadvertently inflicted a fatal blow during a particularly harsh beating. Navalny's body, discovered after a weekend of misplacement, exhibited signs of bruising around the head and neck.

HOW WILL THE WEST REACT?

Most Western leaders have already conveyed their condolences to the Navalny family, directly pointing fingers at Putin and the Kremlin for his death. While this sentiment is widely shared among those familiar with Alexei Navalny, the reality is that there won't be much retribution.

The truth is, Western governments don't have many diplomatic solutions at their disposal that they're willing to deploy. Russia is currently the most sanctioned country globally, with their government officials and oligarchs facing extensive sanctions.

One option available to the West is sending more weapons to Ukraine, as seen in countries like Denmark. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared at the Munich Security Conference that they would send all their artillery to Ukraine. However, most countries are reluctant to go beyond what they've already done. In fact, the United States is stuck in a deadlock between Democrats and Republicans over funding for Ukraine.

CONCLUSION

Some say that Alexei Navalny was a nationalist. However, he fought passionately for a less corrupt Russia, one that prioritized the people and embraced democratic rule. He dedicated his entire life to this noble cause, fortunate to have a steadfast family unwaveringly supporting him. My deepest condolences go out to them.

Throughout his life, he endeavored to reshape Russia, achieving some measure of success. Even in death, voices echo his final words, "Don't give up." These brave individuals lead massive protests worldwide, particularly in Russia, where people risk their freedom to lay flowers for Navalny and protest his unjust death.

In the West, both leaders and citizens share a profound sense of sadness at the loss of Russia's last true opposition figure. Hopefully, avenues for retribution remain open—tools that Western leaders are still willing to employ against Putin. It's time to tighten the screws, akin to a hangman's noose, and strangle his war machine once and for all!