Dozens of people gathered in front of the Russian Embassy in The Netherlands to commemorate late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on what would have been his 48th birthday. Navalny, a fierce opponent of President Vladimir Putin, died in February under unclear circumstances in an Arctic penal colony. His family and supporters blame the Kremlin for his death. Events were held across Europe to mark his birthday, including rallies in The Hague, Moscow, Berlin, and Warsaw. His supporters expressed the importance of keeping his memory alive and continuing to speak his name to bother Putin.
In The Hague, protesters held signs condemning Putin and marched through the city to mark Navalny’s birthday. People from various countries, including Turkmenistan, came to show solidarity with the free people of Russia and oppose the current regime. Events were also held in front of Russian Embassies in Riga, Latvia; Yerevan, Armenia; and Vilnius, Lithuania. Some demonstrators in The Hague called on local authorities to rename a street near the Russian Embassy after Navalny, with a petition receiving significant support since it was launched in February.
A small gathering in Warsaw, Poland, also took place in front of the Russian Embassy, with attendees remembering Navalny’s impact as an opposition politician and the personal loss felt by his supporters. Despite the rejection of a request to rename a street in The Hague after Navalny, his supporters remain determined to keep his memory alive and not let him be forgotten. Navalny had been serving a 19-year sentence on politically motivated charges and had been imprisoned since January 2021 after returning to Russia from abroad following a near-fatal poisoning.
In the months leading up to his death, Navalny faced mistreatment in prison, including repeated solitary confinement and lack of medical treatment. His groups were outlawed as “extremist,” forcing his allies to flee the country. Navalny’s death prompted international condemnation and protests, with his supporters vowing to continue to honor his memory. Despite the challenges and risks involved, many remain committed to keeping his legacy alive and speaking out against the Russian regime. Navalny’s widow, allies, and supporters continue to advocate for justice and political change in Russia.
