Julia Navalnaja: Your strong message for freedom in Passau!

Julia Navalnaja: Your strong message for freedom in Passau!

On November 28, 2025, the city of Passau received a very special visit: Julia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in 2024, was a guest in the town hall. Your presence not only represents a personal tribute, but is also a strong signal of continued support for democracy and human rights. Navalnaya, one of the most visible figures of the Russian opposition in exile, is tirelessly committed to continuing the fight against corruption and the rule of law. [Passau.de].

The reception was organized by Mayor Jürgen Dupper, who presented the activist with a bronze sculpture. In her speech, Navalnaja expressed her great appreciation for the city of Passau and announced that she would like to return. Your visit is not only a celebration, but also an opportunity to show solidarity with all those who are fighting for freedom around the world.

An eventful life for peace

Julia Navalnaya has made a name for herself through her courage and determination. She spoke about her imprisoned husband at the Munich Security Conference and has since called on Vladimir Putin and his regime to take responsibility. The news of Alexei Navalny's death shocked not only her, but also many critical Russians. Navalnaya has always stressed the importance of not giving up, which is reinforced by the words of her husband, who once said that the message to the Russian people was to keep going in the event of his death. [Süddeutsche.de]. are seen as possible new leading figures of the Russian opposition.

The authoritarian regime in Russia has been persecuting human rights activists and opposition activists for years, arresting them and persecuting them for political reasons. According to the German Society for Eastern European Studies, tens of thousands of people have been imprisoned since the demonstrations against election fraud and the attack on Ukraine. Divine assistance is rare and the human rights organization Memorial recognizes hundreds of political prisoners. The people who fight for freedom, democracy and the rights of the oppressed are often exiled to the countryside or even imprisoned. [bpb.de].

A light in the darkness

Yulia Navalnaya is more than just a symbol - she is living proof that the courage to stand up for freedom must not fade. Even after her husband's death, she remains a convinced fighter and inspires others to also work for a better future. Her politics and her passion are not empty words, but a powerful call for solidarity with all those who suffer under the repressive regime in Russia.

Another visit to Passau could soon become a reality, and that is perhaps the best thing that can happen to the fighters for human rights: that courage, like Yulia Navalnaya, continues to find new ways to inspire and mobilize people. Passau shows once again that it is a place where solidarity is very important and the voices for freedom and human rights do not fall silent.