At least 1.500 Russians came to the grave of Alexei Navalny in Moscow today, in extremely cold temperatures, risking reprisals from the authorities, to pay tribute to the opposition leader on the first anniversary of his death in prison.
Navalny – Vladimir Putin's main opponent who Russia has declared an "extremist" – died on February 16, 2024, in penal colony number three in Harp, above the Arctic Circle.
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AFP reporters saw hundreds of people arriving at Navalny's grave at Borisov Cemetery, leaving flowers and forming a large queue by mid-afternoon.
Russia has still not fully explained the circumstances of his death - saying he died while walking in the prison yard.
His mother, Lyudmila Navalny, told AFP she was "doing everything" to ensure an investigation was carried out and that she hoped those responsible would be punished.
"The whole world knows who ordered it," she said, wearing dark sunglasses and fighting back tears. "But we want them to know the perpetrators and those who enable them."
Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnya - who lives in exile and has been branded an "extremist" at home - said her husband "continues to unite people" after his death and called for a "free, peaceful" Russia.
The European Union said Putin bears "ultimate responsibility" for Navalny's death, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "His courage made a difference and goes beyond his death."
The Russian opposition, burdened by conflicts and mostly in exile, commemorated its leader, whose loss had left it significantly weakened.
Anyone in Russia who mentions him or his Anti-Corruption Foundation without saying they have been declared "extremists" is subject to fines or up to four years in prison for repeat offenses.
Moscow has waged a major crackdown on dissent over the invasion of Ukraine, which Navalny denounced from prison.
An Orthodox priest read a prayer at Navalny's grave, covered in flowers, to the sounds of weeping.
Pensioner Ivan said that for him, coming to the grave was a "small personal protest."
He said he was initially wary of Navalny's politics.
"But after his poisoning and when he went to prison and everything terrible that happened in these two years until his death, my relationship with him became very personal," the 63-year-old said.
Ana, a 30-year-old veterinarian, came to the grave with her two children.
"We remember Alexei, we will never forget him," she said, adding that she wanted to show her children "the grave of a man who was very dear and important to us."
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