Mon Feb 17 04:08:23 UTC 2025: ## Navalny’s Widow Accuses Putin of Hiding Truth About Opposition Leader’s Death
**Moscow, Russia** – On the first anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of concealing the truth surrounding his passing. Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, died in a Siberian penal colony on February 16, 2024, with Russian authorities citing natural causes. However, Navalnaya, in a video message commemorating the anniversary, directly blamed Putin, stating he is “trying to erase Alexei’s name from our memory to hide the truth about the murder.”
Supporters gathered at Navalny’s grave in Moscow to mark the occasion. Navalnaya expressed gratitude for the continued support, stating, “If so many good people are on one side, we cannot help but win.” She emphasized that the pain of his loss only strengthens their resolve.
Navalny, who had been serving a 19-year sentence on charges he vehemently denied as politically motivated, was a fierce critic of Putin. His death came weeks before Russia’s presidential elections.
The European Union issued a statement echoing Navalnaya’s sentiments, holding Putin and the Russian authorities ultimately responsible for Navalny’s death. The EU condemned the ongoing repression within Russia and called for the immediate release of Navalny’s lawyers and all political prisoners. The statement also reiterated the EU’s commitment to sanctions against those responsible for Navalny’s persecution and called for an end to Russia’s brutal repression of civil society.
First Piper 