Navalny associates launch campaign to free imprisoned politician

On the second anniversary of Alexey Navalny’s return to Russia and immediate arrest, his associates announced the launch of #FreeNavalny, a campaign that will “unite people around the world in their efforts” to free the politician from prison.

The campaign will rely on publicizing the unlawful criminal prosecution that threatens Navalny with up to 35 years in prison, on nine different charges. Its organizers also plan to draw attention to Navalny’s conditions in the penal colony, the violations of confidentiality in his communications with attorneys, and his worsening health.

“The goal of the campaign is to coordinate worldwide efforts to free Alexey,” said Leonid Volkov, a key member of Navalny Team.

We can see that these efforts are numerous: one country’s officials issue a statement, then another’s, then the doctors sign an open letter, followed by the lawyers. We’re terribly grateful to everyone, but we also know that political campaigns are more effective when those efforts are coordinated.

A dedicated website, launched as part of the campaign, contains information about Navalny, lets visitors get in touch with Navalny Team through a bot, and makes it possible to print stickers and posters, sign up as a volunteer, or support “the struggle against Putin” with cryptocurrency donations.

Public figures and the media are invited to support the campaign with “Free Navalny” YouTube banners. TV Rain, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, politician Maxim Katz, and journalists Tatiana Felgengauer and Alexander Plyushchev are among those who have already joined the campaign.

• Alexey Navalny returned to Russia two years ago, on January 17, 2021, after being treated for Novichok poisoning in Germany. He was arrested immediately upon arrival, and is now in prison.