Alexei Navalny, a Russian dissident advocating for more democracy, has died in prison. Navalny was a long time anti-corruption advocate, and main leader of the Russian opposition. Following an assassination attempt in Russia, he decided to return in 2021 anyway when he was imprisoned.
During his imprisonment, Navalny managed to smuggle some of his writings to the world. The war in Ukraine made him a more dangerous political opponent, at which point the regime placed him in a super max prison. Fox News says:
Hundreds of people have been arrested across Russia for paying tribute to the late Alexei Navalny, with more than 150 receiving jail sentences of up to two weeks, a human rights group says.
The death of the prominent Vladimir Putin critic and opposition leader Friday prompted people in dozens of Russian cities to visit makeshift memorials and monuments to victims of political repression, laying down candles and flowers.
Putin’s control of Russian society is very high, making any opposition very difficult. Those who braved the police presence were arrested. His widow has also declared that she will continue to push for a democratic Russia. NPR continues:
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of slain opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has announced she will continue her husband’s work promoting democratic change in Russia.
”I have no right to give up. I will continue the work of Alexei Navalny,” said Navalnaya, 47, in an emotional video posted to the YouTube channel of her late husband.
Internal trouble in Russia will continue during the extent of the war in Ukraine, but so will it in Ukraine itself. A combination of will and attrition will determine whether Ukraine can win this conflict.
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