As of: February 20, 2024, 2:08 p.m
By: Helmi Krappitz
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The world mourns the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Letters to the editor now show the reactions of hundreds of Russians - from fear to hope.
Moscow – The death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has sparked reactions around the world.
German politicians, among others, remembered the Kremlin critic, such as Olaf Scholz.
But many people in Russia are also mourning Navalny.
The Latvian internet newspaper
Meduza
asked its Russian readers what Navalny's life and work means to them - the answer was hundreds of letters to the editor.
“You should be proud”: Letters to the editor express condolences to Navalny’s family after his death
Many Russians shared their condolences to Navalny's family.
Like Sergei from Moscow: “You are a wonderful family and you should be proud of your husband and father.
Unfortunately, there are few people like Alexei in our time.
“Sacrificing one’s life for one’s faith is a very strong act by a very strong person,” he wrote to the newspaper.
“Be proud of him and society should recognize him as a great politician and a sincere person.
My sincerest condolences."
Many Russians are mourning the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
© IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Edna Leshowitz
“He died a hero”: People in Russia mourn Navalny
The world-famous critic of Vladimir Putin was called a “hero” by many readers.
“He didn’t live in vain.
He lived as a hero and died just like that,” said Nadezhda from St. Petersburg.
“Although the Kremlin and Putin desperately wanted to humiliate and intimidate him, they failed.”
Ksenia from Moscow described Navalny as a “person with so much bravery, charisma, straightforward and understandable language and a vision of the future of Russia.” He was a leader of those who wanted something better for their country – “including me.”
Fear: Many Russians feel helpless after the death of the Kremlin critic
Navalny's death also triggered many uncertainties and fears for the future.
Olesya from Moscow is “afraid for those who remain in prison – who is next?
I feel hatred that scares me.
I hate those who give orders to kill pure and living people, and those who carry out these orders with all their heart." She feels helpless because she doesn't know how the situation in Russia can now be improved.
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“Symbols live longer than people”: the reader sees no reason to despair
But others also see opportunities for a better future.
“There is no need to despair;
This is exactly what the authorities expect,” Yegor wrote from Vladivostok.
“In a sense, Alexei reached the greatest peak as a politician - he turned from an ordinary person into a symbol.
And symbols and ideas live much longer than people.”
“Freedom and self-knowledge”: Navalny stuck to his principles
A reader in Munich also wrote to the newspaper: “It's amazing how much you can achieve with almost nothing.
Simply by insisting and sticking to your own principles.” Olga explained that she could now understand Navalny’s decision to go back to Russia after the poisoning.
“This is the most important thing one person can do for another: convey a message, reach the essence of our being.
For me, this message is not just about country, power and people,” she continued.
“It’s about freedom, self-knowledge and going your own way.”
Expressions of mourning prohibited: Citizens' initiative plans commemorative march
The Citizens' Initiative party in Russia also maintains this attitude.
According to her own information, she has applied to the Moscow city administration for a memorial march for the dead opposition politicians Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov.
Party leader and former Russian Economy Minister Andrei Nechayev published the scan of the application on his Telegram channel on Monday.
The march is planned for March 2nd in the center of Moscow with up to 50,000 participants.
Approval from the Russian authorities is unlikely.
Because: The authorities are stopping mourning rallies for Putin's most famous critic in Russia.
Within a few days, more than 400 people were arrested at such events.
Many were sentenced to imprisonment or fines.
(dpa/hk)