Nadya Tolokonnikova Commemorates Alexey Navalny at The World Forum

In a poignant speech at The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind, held on February 18 and 19, 2024, Nadya Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot led a commemoration for Alexey Navalny, the late Russian opposition leader. She recounted how she initiated his evacuation in 2020 after he was poisoned, by requesting that Jaka Bizilj, Chairman of Cinema for Peace, arrange his transfer from Serbia to Berlin for medical treatment.

Returning from a demonstration at the Russian embassy, she recounted the peaceful protest attended by dozens of Russian women. "Dressed in our signature balaclavas and holding banners with a single word, 'murderers' (убийства), we remembered Alexey Navalny, not as he died in his Arctic prison but as he was silenced by murder," she stated.

Tolokonnikova criticized the Russian government, specifically targeting President Vladimir Putin and the Federal Security Service (FSB), for their roles in suppressing political dissent. "Putin’s regime, deeply entangled in autocracy, demonstrates its inherent weaknesses through these acts of suppression," she argued. "Despite Putin's portrayal of strength, his actions against opponents reveal his vulnerabilities and fear."

Highlighting Navalny's enduring spirit, Tolokonnikova described him as a beacon of hope and resistance, embodying joy even in adversity. "Navalny led with love, joy, and laughter, and even in his final days, he maintained his humor in the face of injustice," she recounted.

Tolokonnikova concluded her speech with a call to cherish and embody the values Navalny stood for. "In memory of Navalny, let us foster love and joy amongst ourselves. He inspired us to stand firm in our beliefs, and it is in that spirit we should continue to strive for a just society," she urged the audience.

The speech not only served as a tribute to Navalny but also as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Russia.