Key takeaways:

• Supporters gathered at Navalny's grave in Moscow's Borisovskoye cemetery to commemorate the anniversary of his death.
• World leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, paid tribute to Navalny, criticizing Putin's autocratic rule.
• Pro-Kremlin channels warned attendees of potential government surveillance at memorial events.
• The Russian government continues to label Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation as "extremist," making it illegal to speak of him without acknowledging this status.
• Calls for an independent investigation into Navalny's mysterious death remain ongoing amid international outcry.

A year after the untimely demise of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, his supporters engaged in memorial events on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Many attendees braved sub-zero temperatures to visit his grave in Moscow's Borisovskoye cemetery, defying government warnings of potential reprisals for expressing their support. The climate of fear has grown increasingly severe as authorities surveil such gatherings closely.

World leaders worldwide acknowledged Navalny's legacy; among them, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Vladimir Putin's authoritarian regime during tributes, reflecting on the impact of Navalny’s fight for democracy.

Currently, the opposition movement faces fragmented leadership, having been driven into exile due to extraordinary repression within Russia, which has left it feeble since Navalny's passing. Criticism of the Russian government has reached dangerous levels, with individuals discussing or mentioning Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation facing stiff penalties, including fines and years in prison. Activists and journalists alike are under threat as pro-Kremlin groups disseminate warnings against participating in memorials. A message shared by pro-Kremlin journalist Dmitry Smirnov cautioned potential attendees about the "watchful eye" of security, advising, “don’t go!”

Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, continues to inspire the resistance, sharing memories of her husband at an event in Berlin and urging supporters to strive for a "free, peaceful and beautiful" Russia. In a recent video, she emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against repression.

Navalny’s legacy, marked by his unwavering stance against government corruption, is threatened by Russian authorities, who designated his foundation as "extremist." Recent sentences have been handed down to journalists and supporters of Navalny, who prepared media content for his social platforms. The current situation highlights the ongoing crackdown as independent journalists face trials under harsh charges linked to their work with Navalny.

As Navalny's case continues to draw international attention, the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated on Sunday that "President Putin and the Russian authorities bear ultimate responsibility" for Navalny's death. Calls for an impartial investigation into his passing grow louder as Amnesty International has demanded an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Until his tragic demise, Navalny remained a vocal critic of the regime, even from behind bars. His arrest followed a prior recovery from a poisoning incident, and he faced relentless legal battles, transforming him into a symbol of resistance against corruption in Russia. His supporters are determined to keep his legacy alive, fostering hope for a future where Russia is liberated from authoritarian rule.

For more detailed coverage, visit Le Monde and South China Morning Post.