Two large portraits of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny were spray-painted on a property owned by the family of a former Czech foreign minister behind a monument to Soviet soldiers in Vienna. The wall behind the monument, already painted in Ukraine’s blue and yellow national colors, belongs to the Palais Schwarzenberg, owned by the noble family of former Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, who passed away in November. The monument, portraying a Soviet soldier, was built after Soviet troops took Vienna in 1945. Austria, which was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938, was divided into occupation zones until the country was granted full sovereignty in 1955.
Maximilian Schaffgotsch of the Schwarzenberg family foundation stated that “The monument commemorates victims of dictatorship and Mr. Navalny is an obvious victim of dictatorship.” Navalny, known for his anti-corruption efforts in Russia, died on February 16 in the Arctic penal colony where he was serving a 19-year sentence. Officials have said that he died of natural causes. The portraits of Navalny were painted by the Austrian graffiti duo Joel Gamnou, who have received positive feedback for their work. However, a group called KSORS, described as being close to the Russian Embassy, complained on Facebook that the wall behind the monument to Soviet soldiers is being used for political purposes.
An improvised memorial to Navalny opposite the Russian embassy in Vienna has been removed twice in the last two weeks. Vienna prosecutors are considering whether to open an investigation into these incidents. The duo behind the portrait paintings, Jonathan Gamperl, expressed that they have only received positive feedback for their work. The portraits of Navalny are seen as a symbol of standing against dictatorship and honoring victims of oppression. The act of painting the portraits on the wall behind the monument to Soviet soldiers serves as a visual representation of the fight against authoritarian regimes and for political dissent.
The controversial placement of the portraits of Alexei Navalny behind the monument to Soviet soldiers reflects the ongoing tension between Russia and countries in Europe. Navalny’s death and the circumstances surrounding it have sparked outrage and calls for justice from the international community. The graffiti on the wall in Vienna serves as a reminder of the struggles of political dissidents and the importance of standing up against authoritarian rule and corruption. The Austrian duo behind the paintings, Joel Gamnou, has succeeded in creating a powerful symbol of resistance through their art.
The removal of the improvised memorial to Navalny opposite the Russian embassy highlights the challenges faced by those speaking out against the Russian government. The incidents in Vienna have drawn attention to the need for protection of political dissent and the consequences faced by those who oppose authoritarian regimes. The positive feedback received for the portraits of Navalny demonstrates the support for his cause and the desire for justice for those persecuted for their beliefs. The actions taken by the Vienna prosecutors to consider investigating the removals of the memorial show a commitment to upholding freedom of expression and the right to protest peacefully.
Overall, the portraits of Alexei Navalny painted on the wall behind the monument to Soviet soldiers in Vienna symbolize the ongoing struggle for political dissent and justice in Russia and around the world. The artwork serves as a visual representation of the fight against authoritarianism and a tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom. The controversy surrounding the placement of the portraits reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics at play between Russia and other nations. Despite the challenges faced by political dissidents, the support for Navalny’s legacy and the message of resistance against oppression continue to resonate globally.
