Russia: Opposition leader Navalny says he is in "good spirits" despite his third birthday in detention

Some protesters defied the Russian authorities on Sunday (June 4th) to celebrate the birthday of Alexei Navalny, his third spent behind bars. The 47-year-old Russian opponent says he is keeping his spirits up despite harsher detention conditions, including complete isolation. He is awaiting a new trial for which he still faces decades of detention. For those around him, the Russian government seeks to eliminate him politically and break him psychologically.

Police arrest a protester holding a sign reading "Freedom for Alexei Navalny," Pushkinskaya Square in Moscow, June 4, 2023. AP

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At least 45 people were arrested Sunday by police in several Russian cities, mainly Moscow and St. Petersburg, during actions in support of Alexei Navalny for his birthday, according to the specialized NGO OVD-Info.

The conditions of detention of Russian President Vladimir Putin's number 1 political opponent have significantly hardened in recent months. Alexei Navalny, whose health deteriorated in prison, spent several months in a disciplinary cell: no visits, and basic living conditions.

He says he is there for the 16th time. His supporters say the authorities are trying to break him psychologically by regularly sending him for several days to these cells with drastic living conditions.

Sense of humor with unusual requests

Through messages sent by members of his eponymous anti-corruption foundation, the opponent explains that he has promised to keep morale and that he succeeds. He tells how he passes the time, exercising his sense of humor.

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For your birthday, you have to be honest with yourself and I asked myself this question: do I really have the morale or do I force myself to be like that? My answer is that I really have it," the 47-year-old activist said in a message.

To the administration of the maximum security prison where he is staying, he addresses unusual requests with the utmost seriousness: he asks for a kangaroo, a kimono, or a balalaika. Management responds just as officially, with letterhead and serial number to reject his requests.

Exchanges that reveal the absurdity of the administrative system and also give a glimpse of prison conditions. Like when the opponent asks for a megaphone for his crazy neighbor, in order to better hear him scream.

Navalny faces an additional 35 years in prison

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It is clear that I would like not to wake up in this hole, but to have breakfast with my family, a kiss on the cheek of my children, open my presents and say 'Wow, this is exactly what I dreamed,'" writes Alexei Navalny.

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But life is like this: social progress and a better future can only be achieved if a certain number of people are willing to pay for the right to hold beliefs. " he adds. According to him, "a day will come when telling the truth and fighting for justice in Russia will have become an ordinary and safe thing."

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My plan, for the past year, was not to become irascible and bitter, to keep a relaxed attitude, otherwise it would be the beginning of my defeat. ", he explains, thanking his supporters and saluting all "political prisoners" around the world.

Navalny is expected to face trial soon in a new case for "extremism", where he faces an additional 35 years in prison. In March 2021, he was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of "fraud" that he considers fictitious.

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• Russia
• Alexeï Navalny
• Human rights
• Justice