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Yulia (right) and Alexei (left) Navalny stand with their arms round each other
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Alexei Navalny: Patriot

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, discusses her husband’s fearless memoir, in conversation with Emily Maitlis.

Navalny began writing Patriot shortly after his near-fatal poisoning in 2020.

It is the full story of his life: his youth, his call to activism, his marriage and family, his commitment to challenging a world super-power determined to silence him, and his total conviction that change cannot be resisted – and will come.

In vivid, page-turning detail, including never-before-seen correspondence from prison, Navalny recounts, among other things, his political career, the many attempts on his life, and the lives of the people closest to him, and the relentless campaign he and his team waged against an increasingly dictatorial regime.

Written with the passion, wit, candour and bravery for which he was justly acclaimed, Patriot is Navalny’s final letter to the world: a moving account of his last years spent in the most brutal prison on earth; a reminder of why the principles of individual freedom matter so deeply; and a rousing call to continue the work for which he sacrificed his life.

Yulia Navalnaya says of the book, ‘This book is a testament not only to Alexei’s life, but to his unwavering commitment to the fight against dictatorship – a fight he gave everything for, including his life.

‘Through its pages, readers will come to know the man I loved deeply – a man of profound integrity and unyielding courage. Sharing his story will not only honour his memory but also inspire others to stand up for what is right and to never lose sight of the values that truly matter.’

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For ages 16+

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This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre

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Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.