Former Soviet Political Prisoner Believes Navalny Will Break His Record for Time in Punishment Cell

Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet political prisoner, believes that Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned Russian opposition leader, will break his record for time spent in a punishment cell. Sharansky spent nine years in prison, while Navalny has already spent nearly 200 days in a punishment cell. Sharansky, who has been a hero to many for his activism, was a dissident in the Soviet Union and has witnessed the re-Sovietization of Russia under Vladimir Putin. He notes that while some aspects of the situation are less severe than before, such as the ability to leave the country, Putin has banned civil society and used poison against his critics. Sharansky emphasizes the importance of standing in solidarity with political prisoners and not allowing dictatorships to conduct business as usual. He believes that the collapse of a dictatorship requires the support of those outside the country and the bravery of those inside who are willing to risk their lives for freedom. Despite the darkness surrounding Russia, Sharansky remains hopeful for a future where the country recovers and returns to the community of civilized nations.