Kremlin's Pursuit of Navalny's Allies Continues Even After His Death

Following the death of Aleksei Navalny, the Kremlin persists in its crackdown on dissent, arresting individuals associated with the late opposition leader and viewing his legacy as a tangible threat to its authority.

Even in the wake of Aleksei A. Navalny's death in February 2024, Russian officials continue to pursue those affiliated with his anti-corruption efforts. Following his passing in a prison above the Arctic Circle, Konstantin A. Kotov awoke to find his Moscow apartment under siege by law enforcement. The officers forcefully entered, confiscating items linked to Navalny, including campaign memorabilia from his 2018 presidential run. Kotov was subsequently arrested for allegedly donating $30 to Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Fund, now labeled as an extremist organization by the state.

Navalny's death significantly impacted the already weakened Russian opposition, pushing many activists into exile due to an intensified crackdown that began prior to President Vladimir Putin's military actions in Ukraine. Observers suggest that, despite Navalny's demise and the disintegration of his movement, the Kremlin remains fixated on rooting out his supporters. Some analysts interpret this as an automatic response from a repressive regime, while others believe that the government views Navalny's legacy as an ongoing threat.

“It seems like they are acting out of habit rather than initiating a new campaign,” said Sergei S. Smirnov, editor in chief of the exiled media outlet Mediazona. The crackdowns on Navalny supporters highlight an essential aspect of the Kremlin's strategy: suppressing dissent and perpetuating a culture of fear among opposition figures and their sympathizers throughout Russia. As this dynamic continues, the lingering influence of Navalny serves as a reminder of the robust resistance that once rallied against the Kremlin's authority.