Alexei Navalny (1976–2024) was a Russian opposition leader,
anti-corruption activist and political prisoner. He founded the
Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) in 2011. He was recognized by Amnesty
International as a prisoner of conscience and was awarded the Sakharov
Prize for his work on human rights.
Through his social media accounts, Navalny and his team published
material about corruption in Russia, organized political demonstrations
and promoted his campaigns. In a 2011 interview, he described Russia's
ruling party, United Russia, as a ‘party of crooks and thieves’, which
became a popular byname. Navalny and the FBK have published
investigations detailing alleged corruption by high-ranking Russian
officials and their associates.
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Patriot is the exhilarating life story of one of the most fearless
and inspiring figures of our time, who became a beacon to millions
and the sole political threat to Vladimir Putin.
This is Alexei Navalny’s life in his own words: his Soviet
childhood, political awakening, his marriage and beloved family, his
total commitment to taking on a corrupt regime and his enduring love
of Russia and its people. His 2020 poisoning by the Russian security
services was a global news event. In 2024 he died in a brutal
Siberian prison. He began writing Patriot whilst recovering from his
poisoning; it ends with his prison diaries, seen here for the first
time.
We witness the growth of his nationwide support. We see his many
arrests and harassment and, in stunning detail, the attempt on his
life. We understand why he felt he had to return to Russia. In
prison, he shows a spirit and a sense of humour that cannot be
crushed.
Patriot is as dramatic as its author’s life – passionate that good
and freedom will prevail. It is Alexei Navalny’s final letter to the
world, a rousing call to continue his work, an unforgettably
positive account of a life that will inspire every reader.
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