Even in prison, Alexei Navalny urges Russians to protest!

Alexei Navalny has called on Russians to show their disapproval of President Vladimir Putin… even though the notorious Russian opposition leader is currently in prison!

LIVE #Ukraine | L’opposant Alexeï Navalny appelle à des manifestations pendant la présidentielle russe https://t.co/f8aDdwO46z

— Le Monde (@lemondefr) February 1, 2024

Putin’s expected victory, which will mark his fifth presidential term, has been widely anticipated due to his tight control over the country’s political scene. The risks of dissent are greatly reduced in a climate of political repression, where most opposition leaders are in prison or exile and independent media are largely suppressed. The integrity of the elections is also in doubt, as they will take place over three days, from March 15 to 17, and will include online voting.

This makes independent monitoring much more difficult.

Navalny, his team and others continue to be active in politics despite these obstacles, encouraging voters to choose someone other than Putin.

Navalny says the protest is a good way to show disapproval of Putin, and that the authorities would find it hard to stop a well-organized mass action.

Navalny’s transfer to Russia’s most secure prison above the Arctic Circle is a perfect example of the cost of Navalny’s opposition. Navalny is currently serving a 19-year sentence for charges he believes to be politically motivated.

He spent several months isolated in a penal colony in the Vladimir region.