A Russian rock legend made a touching tribute to late activist Alexei Navalny during a concert in Kazakhstan.
The legendary Yuri Shevchuk dedicated one of his songs to the fallen anti-corruption activist in front of a large crowd. Navalny, who was one of Putin’s most vocal critics, suffered in a hellhole Arctic prison after being imprisoned for three decades in August 2021.
Shevchuk is known for his criticism of Vladimir Putin’s government and addressed his audience during the concert, reminiscing about Navalny’s fight for freedom.
He said, “Alexey Navalny, who spoke to us Russians about freedom, has perished. He reminded us that we can all become free in the best sense of the word. He said that faith without freedom is fanaticism. Labor without freedom is slavery. Nothing exists without freedom!”
Navalny had been suffering from ailing health after a walk at the “Polar Wolf” jail, and lost consciousness. An ambulance was unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at 14.17 local time on February 16, 2024, with the official cause of death being “sudden death syndrome”.
Navalny’s death has caused outrage and has led to accusations that he was murdered under Putin’s regime. An experienced paramedic who saw Navalny’s body described the injuries sustained as being from convulsions. There were signs that attempts were made to save his life as bruises on his chest suggested evidence of CPR. However, hospital pathologists were banned from performing an autopsy on his body and were even blocked from witnessing his body being taken to the morgue.
The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death have raised international concern and have led to talks of possible sanctions against Russian officials. The death of the opposition leader is expected to be discussed by MPs when the Commons returns after recess.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has intimated that there could be fresh sanctions against Russian officials as the world grapples with determining the precise cause of Navalny’s death. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Navalny’s death was the main topic of conversation along with aid for Ukraine.
Navalny’s body, which went missing during a scheduled visit from his mother and spokesperson, was later delayed from being released as authorities claimed they hadn’t determined the cause of death.
The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death have caused a stir in the international community, with uncertainty around the Russian government’s involvement and a cloud of secrecy over the events leading to his untimely passing. The Liberals in the UK are pushing for the Russian government to be held accountable for Navalny’s death and have hinted at the possibility of sanctions.
