Devendra Kumar
Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned Russian opposition leader, has called for a broad campaign against Moscow’s actions in Ukraine as he went on trial on new charges of extremism that could keep him behind bars for decades. The trial began in a maximum security penal colony, where Navalny is serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court, charges he claims are politically motivated. Navalny, 47, appearing gaunt in his prison uniform, spoke emphatically about the weakness of the state’s case and urged his supporters to “combat Putin’s lies and the Kremlin’s hypocrisy.” He argued that despite the crackdown on dissent, a campaign could be conducted efficiently on messaging apps outside authorities’ control.
The effort, Navalny said, must reach out to millions to explain the disastrous impact of the fighting and “enter this fight for our citizens’ hearts and minds.” His associates have alleged that Navalny is facing harsh treatment in prison, including being held in a tiny, one-person “punishment cell” for minor infractions. Navalny’s health has been a concern, with his associates criticizing the lack of proper medical assistance.
The new extremism charges could keep Navalny in prison for another 30 years, while he also faces a separate military trial on terrorism charges that potentially carry a life sentence. Navalny has rejected the charges as “absurd” and has accused the authorities of trying to suppress details of the proceedings to cover up the weakness of the case. His parents were denied access to the court, and reporters were allowed only to watch the proceedings on a video feed from a separate building. The Moscow City Court did not allow reporters in the courtroom, citing security concerns.
The authorities’ decision to close the trial, Navalny said, was a sign of fear by President Vladimir Putin, and he urges his supporters to take action. His father, Anatoly, denounced the decision, saying it shows “the utter lack of shame, conscience and dignity.” Russia’s state news agencies and other media reported on the trial, but the most watched government-controlled TV stations did not cover it.