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TRENDING
Feb. 20, 2024
Navalny – A Must See Doc
The director of Navalny documentary captured extraordinary moments.
The Oscar-winning documentary Navalny delves
into the life and future of Alexei Navalny, the Russian political activist and
opposition leader. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Daniel Roher, the film
captures the events surrounding Navalny’s poisoning with the deadly nerve agent
Novichok and the subsequent investigation into the attack.
In a poignant moment from the documentary, Navalny
responds to Roher’s question about what message he would leave behind for the
Russian people in the event of his death. Navalny playfully dismisses the idea,
saying, “Come on Daniel, no. No way. It’s like you’re making a movie for the
case of my death.” Sadly, these words now carry a deeper weight, as Navalny
passed away at the age of 47 in an Arctic Circle jail. Russian prison
authorities claim he became unwell after a walk, but Navalny’s team alleges that
his body is being withheld to cover traces.
The film chronicles Navalny’s journey as he and his
team uncover the plot to poison him. In August 2020, he collapsed on a flight
over Siberia, leading to an emergency landing in Omsk. His life was saved, and
he was later airlifted to Berlin for treatment. Tests confirmed the presence of
Novichok, a chemical nerve warfare agent, which the Kremlin denied. Navalny’s
own investigation, documented in the film, revealed shocking details, including
an FSB agent’s admission that the poison had been applied to Navalny’s
underwear at a hotel in Tomsk. The agent stated that had the plane not made an
emergency landing, Navalny would not have survived.
Daniel Roher, who developed a close friendship with
Navalny during the film project, expressed his shock and grief upon hearing the
news of his friend’s death. Their mutual respect and shared sense of humor
formed the basis of their bond. Despite the dangers Navalny faced, the film
serves as a powerful testament to his courage and determination in the face of
adversity.
The loss of Alexei Navalny reverberates globally,
and the vigil in Berlin stands as a solemn tribute to his unwavering commitment
to justice and democracy.
