Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist who died in prison in February 2024, was not the only member of his family who suffered from the Kremlin’s repression.
His elder brother, Oleg Navalny, also faced political persecution, imprisonment, and harassment for his association with Alexei.
In this article, we will introduce you to Oleg, his background, his role in Alexei’s activism, and his current situation.
Early Life and Education
Oleg Navalny was born on June 4, 1976, in Butyn, a small town in the Moscow region. He was the first child of Anatoly Navalny, a Soviet army officer, and Lyudmila Navalnaya, a chemist. He has a younger brother, Alexei, who was born seven years later, in 1983.
Oleg grew up in a modest and patriotic family, moving from one military base to another with his parents. He was interested in sports, especially soccer, and played for a local team. He also excelled in his studies, showing a talent for mathematics and physics.
Navalny graduated from high school in 1993 and enrolled in the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, where he studied law. He graduated in 1998 and continued his education at the Financial University, where he obtained a degree in economics in 2001.
Oleg Navalny BIO/WIKI
| Name | Oleg Anatolyevich Navalny |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | June 4, 1976 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 47 years |
| Place of birth | Butyn, Moscow region, Russia |
| Occupation | Lawyer, auditor |
| Education | Law degree from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, economics degree from the Financial University |
| Parents | Mother– Lyudmila Navalnaya Father– Anatoly Navalny |
| Siblings | Brother: Alexei Navalny (deceased) |
| Content source | Newsunzip |
| Spouse | Wife: Vika Navalnaya |
| Children | Sons- Ostap Navalny and Stepan Navalny |
| Political views | Supporter of the Russian opposition and anti-corruption movement, critic of the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin |
| Social media | Twitter: @navalny Instagram: @navalny_inmate |
Career, Wife, and Family
After finishing his studies, Oleg started working as a lawyer for various companies, specializing in corporate and tax law. He also became a certified auditor and a member of the Moscow Bar Association.
Oleg Navalny married his Wife Vika Navalnaya, a journalist and editor, in 2002. They have two children, sons named Ostap Navalny and Stepan Navalny. Oleg and Vika are devout Orthodox Christians and attend church regularly.
Navalny was not involved in politics or activism until his brother Alexei became a prominent figure in the Russian opposition movement. Oleg supported Alexei’s anti-corruption campaigns and investigations, but he did not participate in public protests or rallies. He preferred to stay in the background, helping his brother with legal and financial matters.
Imprisonment and Release
In 2012, Oleg Navalny was arrested along with his brother Alexei on charges of embezzlement and fraud. The case was widely seen as politically motivated and fabricated, as it involved a state-owned company, Yves Rocher Vostok, that had no complaints against the Navalny brothers. The prosecution accused them of stealing 26 million rubles (about $400,000) from the company by overcharging for the delivery services they provided through a third-party firm.
The trial was marred by numerous irregularities, violations, and pressure from the authorities. The defense lawyers were denied access to evidence, witnesses, and documents. The judge ignored the testimonies of the Yves Rocher representatives, who stated that they had no losses or damages from the Navalny brothers’ activities. The court also refused to admit the expert opinions of independent auditors, who confirmed that the Navalny brothers did not receive any illegal profits.
In December 2014, the court found Oleg and Alexei Navalny guilty of embezzlement and fraud and sentenced them to three and a half years in prison. However, the court suspended Alexei’s sentence, while Oleg’s sentence was not. This decision was widely interpreted as a way to punish Alexei by imprisoning his brother and to deter him from continuing his opposition activities.
Navalny was sent to a penal colony in Oryol, about 360 kilometers south of Moscow. He was subjected to harsh conditions, isolation, and abuse. He was often placed in solitary confinement, denied visits and phone calls, and deprived of basic necessities. He was also repeatedly threatened and pressured to testify against his brother or to renounce his views.
Despite the hardships, Oleg Navalny remained defiant and resilient. He refused to cooperate with the prison authorities or to give up his principles. He also maintained his sense of humor and optimism, writing letters to his family and friends, and drawing cartoons and sketches. He also read a lot of books, especially classics and history.
Oleg served his full sentence and was released in June 2018. He was greeted by his brother Alexei, his wife Yulia, and his children Nikolai and Daria, as well as hundreds of supporters and journalists. He thanked everyone for their solidarity and assistance, and said that he felt no anger or resentment. He also said that he was proud of his brother and his fight for a free and democratic Russia.
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Current Situation
After his release, Oleg resumed his work as a lawyer and an auditor. He also became more active in social media, sharing his opinions and insights on various topics, such as politics, economics, culture, and sports. He also continued to support his brother Alexei’s activism and investigations, as well as other opposition figures and causes.
Navalny faced new challenges and difficulties after his brother Alexei was poisoned with a nerve agent in August 2020, and then arrested and imprisoned in January 2021. Oleg condemned the Kremlin’s actions and called for his brother’s release and justice. He also participated in some of the mass protests that erupted across Russia in support of Alexei and against the regime.
Oleg Navalny was also targeted by the authorities and their allies, who tried to intimidate and discredit him. He was repeatedly summoned for questioning by the police and the investigators, who accused him of various offenses, such as violating the probation terms of his previous conviction, organizing illegal rallies, and inciting extremism. He was also sued by several pro-government figures and organizations, who demanded large sums of money from him for alleged defamation and damage.
Oleg denied all the accusations and lawsuits, and said that they were part of a coordinated campaign to silence and harass him and his family. He also said that he was not afraid of the pressure and the threats, and that he would not stop speaking the truth and defending his brother.
Oleg Navalny was devastated by the news of his brother Alexei’s death in prison in February 2024. He blamed the Kremlin and its security services for killing his brother, and demanded an independent and international investigation into the circumstances and the perpetrators of his death. He also vowed to continue his brother’s legacy and to fight for a better future for Russia and its people.
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