Alexei Navalny’s prison diaries reveal his struggle and resolve against Putin’s regime

Alexei Navalny’s Memoir “Patriot” to be Published Posthumously

On October 22, the memoir of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, titled Patriot, will be published posthumously. The book is a compilation of his prison diaries and has been partly edited by his widow, Yulia Navalnaya. Patriot will be available in 22 languages, including Russian, providing insight into Navalny’s final reflections and his enduring struggle against the Kremlin’s authoritarian regime.

Navalny’s Death and Global Condemnation

Navalny passed away on February 16 while imprisoned in a penal colony in northern Russia. His death followed a series of fabricated criminal charges brought against him as part of the Russian government’s crackdown on dissent. World leaders have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, blaming him for orchestrating Navalny’s death, which has further spotlighted the dangers faced by political activists in Russia.

Excerpts from “Patriot”

In Patriot, Navalny reveals his resignation to a life behind bars. In a March 2022 diary entry, he wrote, “I knew from the outset that I would be imprisoned for life — either the rest of my life or until the end of the life of this regime.” His reflections underscore the grim reality he faced, accepting that he would die in prison under Putin’s regime. The New Yorker has published excerpts.

Yulia Navalnaya’s Role and Continuing Legacy

Yulia Navalnaya, who edited part of the memoir, hopes the book will ensure her husband’s legacy endures and that his political activism continues to inspire Russia’s opposition movement. “I want his voice to be heard loudly even after his death,” she told the BBC in a recent interview. Her efforts to keep Navalny’s mission alive highlight the deep personal and political commitment she shares with her late husband.

Navalnaya’s Political Aspirations and Legal Challenges

Navalnaya has openly accused President Putin of murdering her husband and vowed to continue his political work. In July, a Moscow court ordered her arrest in absentia, charging her with “participating in an extremist organization” due to her association with the Anti-Corruption Foundation, the organization founded by Navalny. Despite these challenges, she expressed that if she were to return to Russia, she would “go to the elections as a presidential candidate.”

The Kremlin’s Denial

Despite widespread accusations, the Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny’s death. The release of Patriotbrings Navalny’s story to the forefront once again, casting a lasting shadow over the Russian government’s role in silencing dissent.