The late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny believed he would die in prison, as revealed in excerpts from his memoir, “Patriot,” published by The New Yorker. Navalny was known for his fierce opposition to President Vladimir Putin and his campaign against corruption in Russia. He died in prison in February while serving a 19-year sentence, which he believed to be politically motivated. Despite Russian officials denying involvement in his poisoning and death, Navalny remained steadfast in his belief against corruption until the end.
Publisher Alfred A. Knopf announced the release of Navalny’s memoir, describing it as his “final letter to the world.” Navalny began working on the book while recovering from a nerve agent poisoning in Germany and continued to write it both in and out of prison. In the memoir, Navalny details his coping strategies while imprisoned, including accepting the worst-case scenario of dying in prison. Despite his acceptance of this fate, Navalny’s writings convey a strong stance against authoritarianism in Russia, showing his commitment to fighting for what is right.
In a published excerpt from his memoir, Navalny addressed the question posed by his fellow inmates and prison guards regarding his return to Russia. He emphasized his refusal to give up on his country and betray his beliefs, stating that convictions require standing up for them and making sacrifices. Navalny’s writing not only captures the isolation and challenges of his imprisonment but also showcases his sense of humor, highlighting absurd situations like sitting for hours on a wooden bench under a portrait of Putin as a disciplinary activity.
Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, expressed that the memoir is a testament to Alexei’s life and his unwavering commitment to fighting against dictatorship. She believes that sharing his story will inspire others to stand up for what is right and hold onto important values. The memoir has already been translated into 11 languages and is set to be published in Russian, ensuring that Navalny’s legacy and message continue to reach a wide audience. Despite his tragic death, Navalny’s words and actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight against corruption and authoritarianism in Russia.
