Andrei Navalny: Courage of a martyr

The courage of Andrei Navalny is the courage of a martyr. His death in a prison cell in Siberia is considered very suspicious. His followers blame Putin for his death and call him a “murderer.” Navalny could have escaped death by not returning to Russia after his recovery from a poisonous drink he was given while in Russia several years ago, but he was unswerving in his resolve to help the people of Russia.

Navalny in recent days had called for mass protests against Russia's war in Ukraine. The Russian government has gone to extraordinary lengths to stifle opposition to the war and censor accurate reports about the real situation on the ground.

"Words have power; Putin is afraid of the truth," Navalny said following his last sentencing. "Fighting against censorship and bringing the truth to the people of Russia has remained our priority. “

Navalny’s crusade for freedom in Russia will live on. He once told his followers: “If they kill me, that means we are strong. If the good stop doing good, evil will thrive.” Putin knew Navalny’s popularity and had him silenced. Thousands of Navalny admirers came to mourn his death, risking arrest by Russian police. Navalny’s wife has vowed to carry on his work for justice.

The courage it takes to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds inspires me. I pray for that kind of bravery. When I think of all the mistreatment, brutality, and deprivation Navalny endured without wavering in the pursuit of freedom for the Russian people, I am in awe. We need more Navalny’s in our world, especially when ruthlessness and untruths seem to have the upper hand.

Barbara Mayer