Family and Diplomats Mark Second Anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s Death
– Family members and representatives from several European nations visited the grave of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow today, marking the second anniversary of his death in a Russian prison.
Lyudmila Navalnaya, Navalny’s mother, and Alla Abrosimova, his mother-in-law, were present at the Borisovskoye Cemetery, according to reports from the independent news outlet Sotavision. Dozens of supporters gathered before the cemetery opened, bringing flowers to honor the memory of the prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin.
The tribute extended beyond Navalny’s family and Russian citizens. Representatives from the diplomatic missions of Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Latvia also laid flowers at his grave, demonstrating a unified message of remembrance from the European community.
Navalny died in a Russian penal colony on . His death sparked international condemnation, with many accusing the Russian government of foul play. Prison authorities maintain that Navalny died from “sudden death syndrome,” a claim widely disputed by his allies and supporters.
The US and UK ambassadors to Russia also recently honored Navalny. , US Ambassador Lynne Tracy and British Ambassador Nigel Casey were pictured paying their respects at a memorial in Moscow, specifically at the Solovetsky Stone – a monument to political repression that has become a focal point for tributes to the 47-year-old.
The US embassy in Moscow stated on social media, “Today at the Solovetsky Stone we mourn the death of Alexei Navalny and other victims of political repression in Russia. We extend our deepest condolences to Alexei Navalny’s family, colleagues and supporters. His strength is an inspiring example. We honour his memory.”
The UK embassy echoed this sentiment, with Ambassador Casey visiting the memorial on Saturday and calling for a “full and transparent investigation into Navalny’s death.” The UK Foreign Office reportedly summoned a representative of the Russian embassy to express their concerns and reiterate that they hold Russian authorities “fully responsible” for Navalny’s death.
The outpouring of grief and remembrance comes despite ongoing crackdowns on dissent within Russia. In the wake of Navalny’s death last year, approximately 400 Russians were reportedly detained at gatherings held to honor the opposition leader, highlighting the risks associated with public displays of mourning and remembrance.
The second anniversary of Navalny’s death serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who oppose the current Russian government and the continued calls for accountability surrounding his death.
