Navalny vigils set for Amsterdam & The Hague tonight; Protest in Amsterdam tomorrow
Free Russia NL organized two vigils for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died on Friday at the Polar Wolf prison in Siberia. The 47-year-old was a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin. The vigil was set up by the group of Russian-speaking residents and citizens of the Netherlands at Dam Square in Amsterdam and at the Russian embassy in The Hague on Friday starting at 6 p.m.
A protest demonstration was also planned on Dam Square on Saturday. The event is expected to begin at noon in the capital.
The protest group released a statement on Instagram saying that attendees of the Friday vigil would be able to follow the news and developments together. Visitors were urged to bring flowers, lights, portraits and flags.
The Dutch faction of Free Russia has also organized several protests against the current Russian regime in other parts of Amsterdam, as well as in The Hague and Rotterdam. The group is strongly opposed to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and has also joined demonstrations in support of various human rights efforts, such as those for the LGBTI communities and women’s equality.
"The past two years have already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, maimed countless adults and children physically and morally, and broken millions of destinies. Putin's propaganda is increasingly working to destroy brains and souls, and repression against the thinking, free and independent is intensifying," the group said in the statement.
Earlier in the day, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte released a statement on X expressing his sadness at Navalny's passing, and his scorn for the current political leadership in Russia. "Deeply shocked by the news of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. This shows the extraordinary brutality of the Russian regime. Navalny fought for democratic values and against corruption. He paid for this with his life while being held in prison under the harshest and most inhuman conditions. I wish his family, loved ones and everyone who fought with him for change in Russia much strength."
Rutte has consistently denounced Putin and his supporters, particularly since the Dutch government took the position that Russia aggressively obstructed the investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. The aircraft departed Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur, and was shot down over Eastern Ukraine by a Russian surface-to-air missile that may have been in the hands of Russian-backed rebel fighters in the region.
Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner for Climate Action wrote on X, “Alexei Navalny was a man I admired for his tremendous bravery, courage, and tenacity. In standing up for freedom, whatever the cost. I wish his family and loved ones well.”
Hoekstra also had some choice words for the Russian government. “Let’s be clear. This is what tyranny looks like. You invade, murder, torture and rape your neighbors. You force, buy, blackmail and mislead your population into submission. You lockup, poison, maltreat and kill the last few brave men and women who have the guts to stand up you.”
