On February 28, 2024, Yulia Navalnaya, wife of deceased Kremlin critic Alexei Navalnay, conveyed concerns about possible police interventions at her husband’s impending funeral to members of the European Parliament.
She revealed the family had been subjected to continuous intimidation and threats since Navalnay’s demise on February 2, 2024. Yulia perceived an increased police presence at the funeral as a symbol of an oppressive climate enveloping contemporary Russia.
Pleading to European leaders, she stated that the ongoing suppression of democratic values and human rights in Russia should not go unnoticed internationally. Concurrently, she expressed gratitude to the parliament for their ongoing support and called for an international mobilisation against the rampant systemic corruption and misuse of power within Russia.
Yulia highlighted uncertainty concerning the peacefulness of the upcoming ceremony in Moscow, as attendees may face detention. She voiced concerns regarding stricter surveillance and restrictions imposed by local authorities. According to her, freedom of speech and peaceful assembly have sharply declined in Moscow, fostering an unpredictable and insecure climate.
She cautioned attendees to anticipate possible confrontations and detentions and urged for a comprehensive contingency plan regarding attendee safety. The news of Navalnay’s demise sparked emotional reactions from citizens, with over 400 people across 32 Russian cities attending spontaneous memorials, thereby indicating the country’s rigid political climate.
Natonal grief and protests have led to the creation of impromptu memorials in numerous Russian cities, reflecting the global implications of Navalnay’s untimely death and underlining the deeply oppressive political situation in Russia.
The funeral will take place at Borisov Cemetery in Moscow’s Maryino district. Despite initial struggles finding a venue, the cemetery, after much deliberation, agreed to host the event. The preparations for a fitting commemoration of Navalnay’s life are now in full scale.
In her speech, Yulia praised her husband’s techniques in challenging corruption. She implored the European Parliament to take a stronger stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the necessity for more decisive policies towards him. She firmly believed that a more assertive position is essential in promoting democratic values, and urged the parliament to uphold its international justice obligations.
In conclusion, she pushed forward a tactical shift in combating Putin’s rule, suggesting a focus on his circle – those who hoard illegally-acquired wealth. Yulia insisted on a more strategic approach mirroring measures historically taken against organized crime syndicates to maximize the effectiveness of policies countering Putin’s regime.
