The death of Alexei Navalny in Polar Wolf penal colony in Russia on Friday 16th of February is such an outrageous and unecessary act of violence. His case symbolises the plight of so many political prisoners in penal colonies and prisons over decades, who suddenly and mysteriously fall ill and die.

Over the weekend I watched the excellent documentary on BBC i-player Storyville on Alexei Navalny and his wife Yulia, after his poisoning with novichok in August 2020, and the investigative work done to prove the very intentional plot to kill him.

I dont know the intricacies of Navalny ‘s life, whether in his younger days, his coalition to expose Russian corruption was too broad,  or whether he was too direct in his approach. However what I saw was a man who boldly  led an anticorruption campaign and had a belief that human rights and freedom should be an essential part of every state.

His courage in going back to Russia, even though he knew he faced imprisonment or worse, was colossal. He was sentenced in July to another 19 year prison sentence. He loved his country, and wanted it to change for the better. He was composed, calm and displayed a sense of humour that demonstrated no fear. He was separated from his wife and family, which was an immense sacrifice, but he believed in what he was doing.

Alexei Navalny spoke of coming to some kind of Christian faith in 2021, and again we don’t know all the details of this, but so many of his words and actions spoke of the need for transparency, honesty and freedom. And his willingness to keep speaking out, whatever his circumstances is so inspirational.

Navalny made a short speech, to be used if he died, and he said two things- first that people should never give up. That this has been taken to heart, is seen by the people laying flowers in Russian cities, when they risk being dragged away and arrested by the police.

The other thing he said were the words from Edmund Burke ‘ the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men ( people) to do nothing.’

These are challenging words. We need to act for political prisoners through Amnesty International, and to pray and campaign for religious freedom through organisations like Christian Solidarity Worldwide. So many are persecuted or imprisoned, not just in Russia but around the world. May they never he forgotten.

Gracious God, we think of Jesus proclaiming the words from Isaiah 61, that he came to being good news for the poor, to  heal the broken hearted, and to set the prisoner free. Father God, we are shocked at the death of Alexei Navalny, and pray for those involved in his death to be brought to justice. We thank you for his immense courage, and dedication to see a better world come into existence. We pray for his widow Yulia, and their children. For all who are unjustly detained this night, may your Holy Spirit minister to them, and bring protection and encouragement. And may we be willing to pray and to speak out for those illegally detained, and may they be set free. May we persevere in this important work, Amen.