In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent opponent died in prison. He also condemned its war against Ukraine – and fought for peace.
The well-known Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been posthumously honored with the Dresden International Peace Prize. His widow Julia accepted the award, worth 10,000 euros, on Sunday in the Saxon capital’s theater. Former Federal President Joachim Gauck praised the man who died in prison almost three months ago as a “selfless, almost superhumanly courageous man who shows us that there can also be another Russia.” He is “an icon of all decent Russians.”
Navalny’s life’s work is “a monument; he remains a role model for everyone who believes in freedom and dignity, including for the people of Russia.” His long-term fight “against the corrupt elite” is ultimately one of the “most important delegitimizing factors of the Putin system,” said Gauck. There are not many others “who stick to their goals so undeterred, so absolutely fearless and unbroken,” despite constant intimidation and harassment.
Gauck: Words of praise for Julia Navalnaya
It was “encouraging and inspiring” to see that she was continuing his work “so undeterred, so courageous and self-confident,” Gauck told Julia Navalnaya. “I bow to you with great respect and deep respect.” In an afterword to the eulogy, he spontaneously doubled the prize money because he was unable to attend the memorial service in Moscow.
“The world must finally put aside its illusion and false hopes and listen to those who have been warning about Putin all these years,” Navalnaya appealed in her acceptance speech, referring to the war against Ukraine, which her husband condemned to the end. “You can’t negotiate with Putin, you can’t believe a single word he says, he will never stop; Putin is war!” With many politicians in the West saying they want to come to terms with him and listen to him, “I can no longer remain silent,” she said. The memory of Alexei also “makes me speak loudly and even demand things.” She dedicated the award to those “who fight for peace in Russia and risk everything in the process.”
Death under unclear circumstances
Navalny, a prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died on February 16 under unclear circumstances in a Siberian prison camp in the Arctic Circle. Former Federal Interior Minister Gerhart Baum, representing the sponsors, described Navalny as a “human rights defender” who gave his life. “He made a statement, and he is not alone.” This award is also an honor for his wife Julia, who supported and continued his fight. His legacy “is important to remember and ask ourselves what can we do for freedom, not only here but also in Russia.”
Since 2010, the Friends of Dresden have awarded the Dresden Prize in February on the anniversary of the city’s destruction in the Second World War to personalities who have made a special contribution to peace and international understanding. In 2024, the association took on a new initiative together with the previous sponsor, the Klaus Tschira Foundation (Heidelberg), and the Dresden Prize became the Dresden Peace Prize. Past recipients of the Dresden Prize include former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim, war photographer James Nachtwey and architect Daniel Libeskind.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
