Some of Navalny’s Correspondence while Held in Captivity Have Been Published
Navalny’s Letters with Refusenik Natan Sharansky and
Readers of Holod.Media
12:30 p.m. ET, February 19, 2024
by Anna Chernova and Zahid Mahmood
Introduction
Letters and correspondence recently obtained shed light on Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny’s communication while in captivity. The free press has published a collection of letters exchanged between Navalny and refusenik Natan Sharansky, offering intriguing insights into their personal connection and shared perspectives.
The Captivating Correspondence
A series of letters between Alexey Navalny and Natan Sharansky, obtained from Navalny’s time in prison, has been unveiled by the Free Press (FP) and independent media organization Holod.Media. These letters reveal Navalny’s connection with Sharansky, a famed refusenik, and his engagement with readers of Holod.Media as requested by the organization.
Understanding “Refusenik”
Importantly, the term “refusenik” referred to individuals who had been denied exit visas in the Soviet Union, further emphasizing the significance of Sharansky’s role and the nature of their correspondence in the hearts of many.
A Timely Exchange
The correspondence commenced on April 3, 2023, and extended until April 17, 2023, as per the published letters by the Free Press. The publication featured two letters written by Navalny to Sharansky, accompanied by a response letter from Sharansky.
Verified Content
Navalny’s team, when approached by CNN, confirmed that the letters can be considered legitimate and were likely written by Navalny himself, adding an element of credibility and authenticity to this correspondence.
Lighthearted Tones and Shared Humor
Amidst the exchanged letters, the published correspondence by the Free Press highlights the shared humor and camaraderie between Navalny and Sharansky. In one instance, Sharansky humorously referred to the punishment cell as his “alma mater,” while Navalny cheekily quipped that spending the Holy Week (Easter) in a punishment cell couldn’t compare to any other experience.
A Familiar Setting
Navalny, in one of his letters, reached out to Sharansky, mentioning his expectation of being transferred to the same penal colony where Sharansky had previously served his sentence. Navalny jokingly expressed that perhaps a plaque would be erected, stating “Natan Sharansky was held here,” further highlighting the connection between the two.
A Mutual Intellectual Connection
The Free Press reveals that Navalny received a Russian copy of Sharansky’s memoir, ‘Fear No Evil,’ from his lawyers before initiating contact. In a subsequent letter, Sharansky acknowledged the impact of Navalny’s letter, expressing a “kind shock” and responding to Navalny not only as an “author to reader” but as an “admirer” as well.