A year after opposition leader Aleksei Navalny’s death in prison, Russian authorities continue their relentless pursuit of those linked to his organization. The government views Navalny as an enduring threat, and its actions against his allies raise concerns about the repressive nature of Russia’s security establishment.
Since Navalny’s demise, over 15 people have been prosecuted under charges of funding an extremist organization for donating to his Anti-Corruption Fund. Konstantin Kotov, a human rights activist, was arrested after a $30 donation three years earlier was discovered by authorities. His case is not unique, as several others, including an IT engineer and a political activist, have faced similar charges.
The Kremlin’s actions are rooted in its efforts to silence Navalny and his supporters. In 2021, the government outlawed the Anti-Corruption Fund, labeling it extremist, and later liquidated it. The ruling criminalized fund-raising from ordinary Russians, which had kept the group afloat for years. Despite this, top aides continued to solicit donations through secure platforms.
Activists like Kotov see Navalny as a symbol of hope for Russia’s future and were willing to take risks to support his cause. However, when their actions are discovered by authorities, they face severe consequences. The recent case of Ivan Tishchenko, a heart surgeon who was found guilty of sending donations to the Anti-Corruption Fund, highlights the harsh penalties imposed on those accused.
Kotov’s decision to flee Russia for Lithuania demonstrates the fear and intimidation that Navalny’s allies face. As he notes, “When that symbol [Navalny] was gone, I started to feel much worse.” The continued persecution of those linked to Navalny serves as a reminder of the repressive nature of Putin’s regime and its efforts to suppress dissent and opposition.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/15/world/europe/navalny-russia-death.html