2024-11-17 19:12:00
At least a thousand Russian oppositionists in exile, led byr Yulia Navalnayawife of the dissident Alekséi Navalny who died in prison, denounced on Sunday in Berlin lwar in Ukraine and to the president Vladimir Putinin a march that seeks to reactivate a movement weakened by repression and dissent. The protest in the German capital, where many Russian exiles and opponents reside, began by chanting slogans such as ”No to war”, “Russia without Putin” or “Russia will be free”, AFP journalists reported.
According to the organizers, uAbout 2,000 people have it participated in the march, which ended in front of the Russian embassy in Germany.
The opposition, which lost its main figure in February, Alexei Navalnywho died under murky circumstances in prison, has been virtually eradicated in Russia by a methodical crackdown that has imprisoned thousands of people in recent years. The Berlin demonstration was called by three important oppositionists in exile: Yulia NavalnayaNavalni’s widow; former Moscow municipal deputy Ilia Yashinrecently released from prison; AND Vladimir Kara-Murzaa Kremlin critic who survived prison and two poisoning attempts.
“aggressive war”
“The march seeks to unite all those who oppose Vladimir Putin’s aggressive war in Ukraine and political repression in Russia,” the organizers indicated. in a statement. The protest demands “the immediate withdrawal“of Russian troops coming from Ukraine, the Putin’s impeachment and his accused as a “war criminal” and the release of all political prisoners detained in Russia.
The exiled opposition has also been weakened by several scandals, such as the hammer attack on a Navalny ally who blames the attack on former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s faction. Navalni’s anti-corruption foundation has been accused of covering up the operations of corrupt bankers in Russia.
The last major opposition protests in Russia date back to the past in March since this year, when thousands of people attended Navalni’s funeral despite the risks; already February 2022, to report the beginning of the invasion from Ukraine.
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What are the main challenges facing the Russian opposition in exile?
Time.news Interview: The Fight for Freedom – A Conversation with Yulia Navalnaya
Editor (Time.news): Good evening, Yulia Navalnaya. Thank you for joining us today. The march in Berlin this past weekend saw significant participation from Russian oppositionists. Can you describe the atmosphere and the sentiments among the protesters?
Yulia Navalnaya: Thank you for having me. The atmosphere in Berlin was charged with a profound sense of both grief and determination. Many of us are mourning the loss of my husband, Alexéi Navalny, and others who have been silenced. At the same time, there is a palpable desire to ignite the spirit of resistance among those who oppose Putin’s regime. We chanted slogans like “Russia without Putin” and “No to war” because we believe it’s vital to show our solidarity and commitment to a free Russia.
Editor: It must be incredibly challenging to keep the momentum for opposition alive, especially after the loss of such a critical figure as Alexéi Navalny. What are the main challenges facing the opposition in exile?
Yulia Navalnaya: The challenges are manifold. After years of systematic repression, including the jailing of thousands and the silencing of dissent, it feels as though the opposition has been quietly extinguished within Russia. However, our ability to gather in places like Berlin offers a lifeline. We face obstacles in maintaining unity and effectively organizing from abroad, but this protest demonstrated that there are still many who are willing to fight for change, even in exile.
Editor: The protest gathered about 2,000 attendees according to organizers, which is a considerable turnout. What kind of impact do you hope this demonstration will have on both the Russian populace and on the international community?
Yulia Navalnaya: I hope it sends a clear message to both Russians and the world that despite the repression, the struggle for democracy and human rights in Russia is far from over. For the Russian people, I want them to know they are not alone; there exists a powerful community of exiles and supporters who are fighting for their freedom. For the international community, we need support and attention on this issue. A unified, global stance against Putin’s tyranny can help bring about change.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of international support. How do you view the role of Western nations in promoting democracy and protecting those exiled from regimes like Putin’s?
Yulia Navalnaya: Western nations can play a critical role by not only voicing their opposition to human rights abuses but also by providing tangible support. This could include offering asylum to political dissidents, imposing tougher sanctions on individuals complicit in these oppressive systems, and holding Russia accountable on the international stage. We need allies who are ready to stand steadfast against such injustices.
Editor: Lastly, moving forward, what do you see as the next steps for the Russian opposition in exile? How do you envision the future of political dissent in Russia?
Yulia Navalnaya: The road ahead is undoubtedly fraught with challenges, but I envision a future where our voices resonate both within Russia and abroad. The opposition in exile must continue to mobilize and network to amplify our message. We will also work on grassroots initiatives to empower those still in Russia to speak out against the regime. The seeds of resistance are still present, and with hope and collaboration, we can cultivate them into a powerful movement for change.
Editor: Yulia, thank you for your insights and for your unwavering commitment to this cause. It’s clear that your determination resonates with many, and we will all be watching to see how this develops.
Yulia Navalnaya: Thank you for shedding light on these important issues. Together, we can make a difference.