The Tragic Fate of Alexei Navalny’s Memorial: A Nighttime Field in the Wilderness?

On February 24, 2021, Russia’s most prominent opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, passed away due to alleged poisoning. As a critical figure in the fight against corruption, Navalny’s life and death have sparked significant debate. This article explores the possible scenarios for his funeral, focusing on the unexpected and controversial circumstances surrounding its location and attendance.

The LIS - A Difficult Path to Recognition

When Alexei Navalny was rushed to Berlin’s Charité Hospital, his family and supporters faced a difficult decision: whether to hold a formal memorial or funeral back in Russia. The path to holding a public memorial in Russia is fraught with challenges. The Lithuanian Seimas adopted a law approving a one-time Lithuanian plane to Berlin to transport Navalny’s body back to Russia. However, the practice of bringing Navalny’s body to Lithuania for a formal funeral is unlikely to sit well with the Kremlin, which is currently embroiled in a tense relationship with the Baltic states.

Government Response and International Pressure

The Kremlin's official stance is to treat the situation as a private matter, thus avoiding admitting Navalny’s death as an act of state. Fearing a larger recognition of the poisoning and the resulting demonstration, the Kremlin has instead opted to handle the situation discreetly. The government’s response, including the cancellation of the funeral and the detention of reporters, has only intensified the debate and garnered further international attention. As the opposition movements and foreign governments criticize the government’s handling of the situation, the death of Navalny is being used as a tool to further the narrative of civil resistance and to hopefully expedite the country's democratic transition.

Possible Scenarios for the Memorial

The memory of Alexei Navalny is bound to outlive him, and a physical memorial will be established in time. However, where will this memorial be held during the critical first few weeks or months after his death? There are two possible scenarios:

Scenario 1: A Conspicuous Memorial in a Remote Location

One possibility is for Navalny to be buried in a remote part of Russia, where a small gathering might take place under the cover of darkness. Such a scenario would involve a private funeral with close family and perhaps a few trusted allies. Legal challenges could deter a large public gathering, so the event might take place without much fanfare. The choice of a remote location would ensure that any potential uprising is minimized, while the remote setting would provide privacy and security for those involved.

Scenario 2: A Mass Gathering in an Urban Center Despite Restrictions

Another scenario is for Navalny’s supporters to gather in a major city, defying restrictions and calling for transparency. This gathering would be a significant challenge, but it is not without precedent. When Vitaly Churkin, a diplomat and former Russian UN ambassador, died under mysterious circumstances in 2016, his funeral sparked mass protests across Moscow. If Navalny’s death follows a similar narrative, a large public memorial could be planned in a city like Moscow or St. Petersburg. However, given the current climate, this scenario carries significant risks, including legal and physical repercussions.

The Significance of Location and Timing

The timing and location of the funeral will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative surrounding Alexei Navalny’s death. If he is buried at night without a large public gathering, it could be seen as a desperate attempt to avoid transparency and accountability. Conversely, if a large group gathers, regardless of whether it is in a remote location or a city center, the event would likely be perceived as a significant protest against the regime and a call for justice.

Conclusion

The death of Alexei Navalny has revealed the fissures within Russian society and the entrenched resistance of the government to change. While the location and timing of his funeral remain uncertain, the impact of his life and the continued opposition to the Kremlin’s policies are likely to be a driving force for change. Navalny’s death will not be in vain if it results in a renewed call for transparency and fairness in Russian politics.

Keywords:

Alexei Navalny, Funeral, Memorial, Unmarked Grave, Kremlin