Supporters of the Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny have erected a replica of the prison cell where the Kremlin critic spent six months.
Three metres long and two wide. This is the cell in a high-security prison where the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been imprisoned. His brother knows what it is like to be imprisoned there.
“There is absolutely nothing to do here, you can’t drink hot water, you feel hungry all the time, you can’t lie down. These low chairs are made specifically to make your knees hurt, to keep you either stifled or cold,” says Oleg Navalny.
Prisoners are allowed to bring only three things: a cup, a toothbrush, and a book. Time stops there, says Oleg.
Alexei spent six months in the cell, almost without a break. According to his supporters, he was so punished for trying to organise a prisoners’ union and for not buttoning his shirt.
“This is even harsher than Stalin’s way of eliminating his opponents,” says Oleg Navalny.
A replica of the cell has been built on Europe Square in central Vilnius.
“This is an action of protesting Russia, it’s about resisting Putin and his war,” says Leonid Volkov, head of the Navalny Foundation.
The replica of the prison cell was made in Lithuania. Vilnius is the eighth city in Europe where it has been installed.
“This is a sign of solidarity, showing that Alexei Navalny and other political prisoners have not been forgotten,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Mantas Adomėnas.
However, some people assembled to protest the action of Navalny’s supporters. They say they are also Russian citizens and disagree with Navalny’s positions.
“We know who Navalny is and what he said in Russia. We know it well, because we are citizens of the aggressor country and we are ashamed of our country, unlike you,” the protesters claimed.
“It’s a free country, it’s wonderful that in Lithuania, in the street, you can freely say different opinions,” commented one of the Navalny supporters.
American Ambassador Robert Gilchrist, who came to see the cell, calls Navalny’s imprisonment a mockery of justice.
“The relentless actions of the Russian government against him and his supporters only reveal the Kremlin’s deep insecurity and fear of those who speak the truth,” Gilchrist said.
Navalny, who was sentenced to nine years, is currently on trial for “extremism”. He faces 30 years in prison. His supporters believe in change.
“The only thing that is needed is patient, persistent and long-lasting work in all directions,” according to Volkov.
The replica of Navalny’s prison cell will remain in place throughout July.
Update. Police investigate arson attempt
Vilnius police say that are investigating an apparent attempt to set the installation on fire last night.
Navalny's associates posted on the Telegram channel on Friday that someone had tried to set fire to the prison cell replica.
Julija Samorokovskaja, spokeswoman for Vilnius County Police, told BNS that a report was received at 09:22 on Friday that the installation had been damaged during the previous night.
Vilniuje eksponuojama Aleksejaus Navalno vienutės kopija
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