Europe Holds Memorial Rallies Across the Continent for Russian Anti-Government Activist Navalny's Death

Memorial gatherings for Alexei Navalny, the Russian anti-government activist who recently died, are continuing across Europe.

On the 16th (local time), according to major foreign media, 500 to 600 citizens gathered in front of the Russian Embassy in Berlin, Germany, placing photos and flowers of Navalny and lighting candles to commemorate him.

Alexei Navalny, who was arrested by Russian police and received a 30-day detention order from the court. (Photo by AP Yonhap News)

Participants strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, Navalny's political opponent, calling him a "murderer" and saying "Russia commits murder." They also shouted slogans such as "Putin to The Hague" and "Put the murderer behind bars." The Hague in the Netherlands is home to the International Criminal Court.

Most attendees spoke Russian, and some held or wore the 'White Ribbon' used by Russians in anti-war protests. Yevgeny Shirokin, who participates in the 'Free Navalny' movement in Germany, held a black-and-white photo of Navalny and said, "I am emotionally deeply affected. This incident makes us continue to work and fight against Putin."

About 100 people also gathered in front of the Russian embassies in London, UK, and Warsaw, Poland, while in Switzerland, around 300 and 100 people gathered in front of Zurich train station and the United Nations (UN) building in Geneva, respectively, to commemorate Navalny. In addition, rallies criticizing President Putin were held across Europe in cities such as Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona, The Hague, and Lisbon.

Russian opposition leader Navalny, who was serving a prison sentence of over 30 years, died on the 16th at the No. 3 prison in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug in Siberia.

Anti-government activists in exile abroad also criticized President Putin. Dmitry Gudkov, a former member of the State Duma and anti-government activist, stated on social media (SNS), "Alexei's death is murder organized by Putin," and claimed, "Even if Alexei died of 'natural' causes, it was due to poisoning and additional torture in prison."

U.S. President Joe Biden also raised his voice, holding President Vladimir Putin of Russia responsible for Navalny's death.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.