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Sunday, Jul 06, 2025
Outside the box.
Commemorations in Australia Mark One Year Since Alexei Navalny's Death
Memorials and exhibitions across major Australian cities honor the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in February 2024.
On February 16, 2024, Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny passed away in a remote prison camp located within the Arctic Circle.
His death has prompted a series of memorials and gatherings across Australia, particularly among the Russian-speaking community.
In Perth, a memorial has been established at the Ascalon sculpture located at St George's Cathedral.
Since February 2024, local residents have been placing flowers at Navalny's portrait, which has transitioned from a spontaneous tribute to a more permanent installation with support from the cathedral.
Raisa Akifeva, a researcher at Edith Cowan University and caretaker of the memorial, indicated that the cathedral’s rector expressed appreciation for the resonance of the sculpture with the community's sentiments, leveraging its symbolism of the battle between good and evil.
In Sydney, a memorial bench has been created within the Royal Botanic Gardens, inscribed with one of Navalny’s notable quotes: "Love is stronger than fear." This bench was unveiled in December 2024 following a crowdfunding initiative.
Pavel Shpilev, the organizer behind this effort, emphasized Navalny's impact not just as a politician but as a symbol of courage, particularly for exiled individuals seeking freedom.
Additionally, memorials have been set up at other locations in Sydney, including the Raoul Wallenberg monument, thanks to the cooperation of the local Jewish community, who permitted the establishment of a Navalny memorial at the site.
Flowers and candles have also been observed at this site as part of the commemorative activities.
In Melbourne, an exhibition titled "This is Navalny" will showcase the work of Evgeny Feldman, a prominent Russian photojournalist who documented Navalny’s journey.
The exhibition plans to serve as a gathering place for the Russian-speaking community, according to gallery curator Nina Sanadze, who noted Feldman's close relationship with Navalny, which included correspondence during his imprisonment.
Many supporters endeavored to hold memorial services in various church locations; however, they reportedly faced challenges, particularly with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR).
Petr Kuzmin, based in Melbourne, voiced concerns about group pressures leading to the withdrawal of church support for these services.
Subsequent efforts included holding memorial services at Greek churches instead of Russian Orthodox venues.
Nicholas Ohotin, Communications Director of the Synod of Bishops for ROCOR, stated that as Navalny was not part of their community, the conducted divine services would not accommodate memorial events that may be construed as political demonstrations.
The commemorative activities across Australian cities reflect deep connections within the Russian-speaking community and their ongoing solidarity with Navalny's legacy.
His death has prompted a series of memorials and gatherings across Australia, particularly among the Russian-speaking community.
In Perth, a memorial has been established at the Ascalon sculpture located at St George's Cathedral.
Since February 2024, local residents have been placing flowers at Navalny's portrait, which has transitioned from a spontaneous tribute to a more permanent installation with support from the cathedral.
Raisa Akifeva, a researcher at Edith Cowan University and caretaker of the memorial, indicated that the cathedral’s rector expressed appreciation for the resonance of the sculpture with the community's sentiments, leveraging its symbolism of the battle between good and evil.
In Sydney, a memorial bench has been created within the Royal Botanic Gardens, inscribed with one of Navalny’s notable quotes: "Love is stronger than fear." This bench was unveiled in December 2024 following a crowdfunding initiative.
Pavel Shpilev, the organizer behind this effort, emphasized Navalny's impact not just as a politician but as a symbol of courage, particularly for exiled individuals seeking freedom.
Additionally, memorials have been set up at other locations in Sydney, including the Raoul Wallenberg monument, thanks to the cooperation of the local Jewish community, who permitted the establishment of a Navalny memorial at the site.
Flowers and candles have also been observed at this site as part of the commemorative activities.
In Melbourne, an exhibition titled "This is Navalny" will showcase the work of Evgeny Feldman, a prominent Russian photojournalist who documented Navalny’s journey.
The exhibition plans to serve as a gathering place for the Russian-speaking community, according to gallery curator Nina Sanadze, who noted Feldman's close relationship with Navalny, which included correspondence during his imprisonment.
Many supporters endeavored to hold memorial services in various church locations; however, they reportedly faced challenges, particularly with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR).
Petr Kuzmin, based in Melbourne, voiced concerns about group pressures leading to the withdrawal of church support for these services.
Subsequent efforts included holding memorial services at Greek churches instead of Russian Orthodox venues.
Nicholas Ohotin, Communications Director of the Synod of Bishops for ROCOR, stated that as Navalny was not part of their community, the conducted divine services would not accommodate memorial events that may be construed as political demonstrations.
The commemorative activities across Australian cities reflect deep connections within the Russian-speaking community and their ongoing solidarity with Navalny's legacy.
