Navalny’s Widow Blames Putin for Husband’s Death in Stirring Video

Amid various suspicions surrounding the sudden death of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny in prison, his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, claimed on the 19th (local time) that “the death of my husband is the responsibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin.”

Navalny posted a video on the X (Twitter) account she created that day. She claimed, “Putin murdered Alexei,” and “Putin didn’t just want to kill the person, Alexei, but he also wanted to eliminate our hope for freedom and the future with him.” She emphasized that “we must fight for war, corruption, injustice, fair elections, freedom of expression and to regain our homeland.”

Navalny stated, “I will continue what Alexei was doing and keep fighting for our country,” and asked, “Please stand by my side and join me.”

Notably, she drew attention by saying, “I know exactly why Putin killed Alexei four days ago,” and “I will share about this soon.” She also promised, “I will find out exactly who committed this crime and how, and I will reveal their names and faces.”

Meanwhile, Alexei Navalny died on the 16th in the 3rd prison of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in Siberia, Russia, known as a harsh and poor place. The Russian correctional authorities announced that Navalny lost consciousness and collapsed after a walk. Still, it was reported that Navalny’s mother and lawyers haven’t even been able to confirm his body yet.

Across Russia, spaces commemorating Navalny have been set up to attract citizens. According to local human rights organizations, over 400 people have been arrested at various memorial sites. AFP reported that people detained at the Navalny memorial site have been sentenced to short-term imprisonment. In addition, on social media such as X, reports and videos of the temporary Navalny memorial being dismantled or flowers left by mourners being removed are being posted one after another.