Navalny expected to die in prison, memoir reveals

Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most prominent opposition leader for the past decade, expressed a chilling belief that he would die in prison, as revealed in his posthumous memoir. A fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, Navalny passed away in February while serving a 19-year sentence on charges widely regarded as politically motivated.

Excerpts from his memoir, titled Patriot, have been published by outlets like The New Yorker and The Times, providing insight into Navalny’s final years, particularly his time in confinement. In a poignant entry dated March 22, 2022, he reflected, “I will spend the rest of my life in prison and die here. There will not be anybody to say goodbye to… All anniversaries will be celebrated without me. I’ll never see my grandchildren.” This haunting admission underscores the gravity of his situation and the emotional toll of his imprisonment.

Navalny’s death sparked widespread shock and anger globally, with many attributing responsibility to Putin. The Kremlin’s response was notably muted; they simply acknowledged his passing without elaboration. Navalny’s legacy as a vocal opponent of the Russian regime and a symbol of resistance to authoritarianism continues to resonate.

In August 2020, Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent after a trip to Siberia. Following his recovery in Germany, he returned to Moscow in January 2021, where he was promptly arrested. Over the next 37 months, he remained incarcerated, continuing to document his experiences and thoughts through diary entries that would later form the backbone of Patriot.

His writings provide a stark glimpse into the harsh realities of prison life, as well as his declining health. On January 17, 2022, he wrote: “The only thing we should fear is that we will surrender our homeland to be plundered by a gang of liars, thieves, and hypocrites.” This statement reflects his unwavering commitment to his country and his disdain for the corrupt political elite.

The excerpts also reveal Navalny’s characteristic humor amid adversity. On July 1, 2022, he described a typical day: “At work, you sit for seven hours at the sewing machine on a stool below knee height. After work, you continue to sit for a few hours on a wooden bench under a portrait of Putin. This is called ‘disciplinary activity.’” Such passages highlight not only the absurdity of his situation but also his resilience in the face of oppressive conditions.

Patriot is set to be released on October 22, with its US publisher, Knopf, also planning a Russian edition. During his time in captivity, Navalny managed to have some of his diary entries shared on social media through his team, ensuring his voice continued to be heard.

David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, emphasized the emotional weight of Navalny’s writings, stating, “It is impossible to read Navalny’s prison diary without being outraged by the tragedy of his suffering and by his death.” The publication of these excerpts serves as a reminder of the human cost of political repression and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs.

In the poignant closing entry from January 17, 2024, Navalny recounted conversations with fellow inmates and guards, who frequently asked him why he chose to return to Russia. His answer encapsulates his profound sense of duty: “I don’t want to give up my country or betray it. If your convictions mean something, you must be prepared to stand up for them and make sacrifices if necessary.” This declaration not only illustrates Navalny’s commitment to his principles but also serves as a rallying cry for those who continue to fight against tyranny.

Navalny’s memoir stands as a testament to his courage and resilience, highlighting the enduring struggle for freedom in the face of oppressive regimes. His legacy will continue to inspire those who seek justice and reform in Russia and beyond.