Russia’s prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, faced taunting and manipulation from prison guards who tried to sabotage his hunger strike by secretly slipping sweets into his pockets, as revealed in his prison diaries. The defiant entries from Navalny shed light on his final years, including a 24-day hunger strike he embarked on in protest of inadequate medical treatment. Navalny tragically passed away in February within a remote Russian penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle, known as Polar Wolf.
In his candid journal entries, Navalny expressed his desire for his prison memoir to serve as his legacy should anything happen to him. He emphasised the importance of his family benefiting from any proceeds, stating, “If a murky assassination attempt followed by a tragic demise in prison can’t sell a book, what could?” The harrowing account of his hunger strike detailed how guards attempted to undermine his protest by concealing sweets in his possession, resulting in an average weight loss of 1kg per day.
Navalny narrated instances where guards strategically tried to weaken his resolve, such as coercing him to sit at a table with food during his hunger strike. Despite their efforts, Navalny remained resolute, noting the tactics employed by the guards to disrupt his strike. Describing the situation as “farcical,” he recounted how a fellow prisoner was afforded special privileges to cook chicken and bread for the unit, which he resisted despite the temptation.
As the days passed, Navalny’s health deteriorated, with his weight plummeting to 80kg by early April, equivalent to his weight in adolescence. Even amidst health challenges, Navalny maintained his spirit, refusing to succumb to the distractions designed to break his resolve. Eventually, Navalny ended his hunger strike after gaining access to external medical assistance. Reflecting on the experience, he acknowledged his inner strength and determination, affirming his capability to endure severe hardships.
Furthermore, entries published in the New Yorker unveiled Navalny’s preparation for the worst as he faced a series of charges from the Russian government. Mentally bracing himself for a prolonged imprisonment, Navalny adopted a mindset of acceptance, envisioning a future confined behind bars. Despite the harsh conditions and challenges, Navalny persevered, demonstrating unwavering resilience and fortitude.
Navalny’s journey, documented in his prison diaries and subsequent memoir, paints a poignant picture of his unwavering commitment to his cause amidst adversity. His steadfast resistance against manipulation and intimidation serves as a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice.