Alexei Navalny was a hope, a chance for that very freedom

On February 16, 2024, opposition politician Alexei Navalny died in custody at the age of 47. For the last three years he had been in a special regime penal colony in the settlement of Kharp, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, on charges of extremism. 

Lawyer Leonid Solovyov, who recently visited his client, said that “Navalny's condition is normal”. At the same time, Alexei's press secretary, Kira Yarmysh, said she had no information confirming the cause of his death. 

Earlier, Navalny was treated in Berlin after the poisoning incident and was arrested upon his return to Russia. Alexei Navalny will be remembered as one of the key figures of the Russian opposition in recent years. 

Through his political activities and public appearances, Alexei has sought to draw attention to issues of corruption and human rights abuses. Although Navalny's views were controversial in society, he was able to rally supporters around him. His name is forever etched in Russia's recent history.

Peaceful solidarity actions are taking place in cities around the world - Alexei Navalny's death was not unexpected. People express their support. Similar actions are also taking place in Russia.

Navalny rose to international prominence after the 2011-2012 mass protests in Russia in favor of democratic reforms. Even then, it was clear that this charismatic and witty politician could pose a serious challenge to the authorities. 

Both Putin's supporters and his opponents recognized Navalny's potential to become an influential political figure. His popularity and oratorical skills attracted many supporters of democratic change.

p.s. I know that a significant number of the most active and enterprising citizens of Russia, as well as citizens of Belarus and Ukraine, have recently left their homeland. They moved to other countries in search of better opportunities for self-realization and freedom. In this way, large communities of our compatriots have been formed abroad. I hope that in time the situation will change and they will be able to return and contribute to development with their talent and energy. 

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