Alexey Navalny in the middle of the crowd, Moscow rally March 10, 2012

Navalny was one of the authors of Russian populism, which in spite of its rightist credentials tended to problematize oligarchic capitalism — drawing attention to poverty and inequality in Russia, distinguishing between ordinary Russians and the absurdly rich Russian state ruling clique which derived its enormous wealth from usurpation of power, corruption, acquisition of public funds and property, tortures, murders and wars.

Putin was afraid of Navalny. His assassination is a clear political signal that Putinism is entering a new phase, which allows for physical elimination of political opponents and, maybe, anyone who is considered a threat to survival of the regime. It means that the life of all political prisoners in Russia is at risk. We must anticipate escalation of violence within and outside of Russian and new “unexpected” deaths of political activists.

By killing Navalny the murderous and genocidal Putin’s regime wants to demotivate Russian opposition. We must act contrary to its expectations. To end the dictatorship we must enhance our solidarity and self-organization. Navalny’s death is an example of political martyrdom which must inspire us to continue political actions rather than frustrate us. We must not give up. The murderers will be punished, the dictatorship will be overthrown.

Russian Socialist Movement, February 16, 2024