Russian politician Alexei Navalny has died at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy of activism and resistance against President Vladimir Putin’s regime. Navalny, known for his crusade against official corruption and his role in staging massive anti-Kremlin protests, passed away in an Arctic penal colony while serving a 19-year sentence. His death comes less than a month before a pivotal election that would have extended Putin’s rule for another six years.
Navalny’s passing has reignited criticism and outrage directed at Putin, who has consistently cracked down on opposition voices in Russia. While some have laid flowers at monuments to victims of political repression, there is uncertainty about whether Navalny’s death will catalyze large-scale protests against the Kremlin.
Joining the conversation are Daniel Roher, director of the 2022 documentary “Navalny,” and Regina Smyth, professor of political science at Indiana University and author of “Elections, Protest, and Authoritarian Regime Stability: Russia 2008–2020.”
Navalny’s death marks a significant moment for Russia’s opposition movement, raising questions about its future trajectory and the challenges it will face without its most prominent figurehead. As the nation grapples with the loss of one of its most outspoken voices for change, observers around the world are left to ponder the implications for Russia’s political landscape and the ongoing struggle for democracy in the country.
