Russia designates Yulia Navalnaya as “terrorist and extremist” following arrest warrant
On Thursday, July 11, Russian authorities added Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, to the official federal list of “terrorists and extremists.” This move comes just two days after a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant against her.
Potential consequences upon return
Navalnaya, who currently resides outside of Russia, faces immediate arrest and detention for six years if she returns to her home country.
Commitment to Navalny’s legacy
Following Navalny’s death in a Russian prison in February, Navalnaya vowed to continue her late husband’s work. With her new designation as an “extremist and terrorist,” the Russian state now has the authority to freeze her bank accounts without a court order.
Response from Yulia and her supporters
Reacting to the development, Yulia Navalnaya’s spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh commented that the swift designation by Rosfinmonitoring indicates that Navalnaya is “doing everything right.” Navalnaya herself condemned the recent court warrant, stating, “Vladimir Putin is a killer and a war criminal. He belongs in prison.” Leonid Volkov, Navalny’s former chief of staff, praised Yulia’s resolve, saying, “Quite a recognition of Yulia’s determination to continue Alexei’s fight!”
Navalnaya remains a steadfast critic of Putin’s regime. During the March elections, she called for mass protests against the president by encouraging long queues outside voting stations.
Background on Navalny’s organizations
Previously, Russia had banned Navalny’s organizations, labeling them as “extremists and terrorists.” Despite ongoing pressure from Moscow, Navalnaya has maintained her stance against the Russian government’s actions.
