A Russian court on Tuesday ordered the arrest in absentia of Yulia B. Navalnaya, the widow of Aleksei A. Navalny, a prominent figure in Russia’s political opposition. The court accused her of “participating in an extremist community.”
The arrest order against Ms. Navalnaya, who left Russia in 2021, comes after her husband’s death in a Russian penal colony under unclear circumstances. Aleksei Navalny was imprisoned on fabricated charges following a near-fatal poisoning attempt in August 2020.
Yulia Navalnaya has been vocal in accusing President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia of her husband’s murder and has pledged to continue his opposition work. She has also criticized Russia’s war in Ukraine, holding the Kremlin responsible for the ongoing bloodshed.
Although the court statement did not specify the reasons for the charges, it is likely related to her involvement in managing the Navalny opposition organization. Ms. Navalnaya has chaired the advisory board of her husband’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, which has exposed the financial assets of Russian officials.
The Investigative Committee issued the arrest order, stating that Yulia Navalnaya’s name would be placed on an international wanted list. She would face arrest upon returning to Russia.
Reacting to the court decision, Ms. Navalnaya emphasized Putin’s alleged crimes and called for his imprisonment in Russia. She continues to advocate for human rights and plans to release a book authored by her late husband about his political career.
Ms. Navalnaya recently assumed the role of chairwoman of the Human Rights Foundation, succeeding Garry Kasparov, a well-known Russian chess grandmaster.
Contributor: Milana Mazaeva
