"I Despise Your Power": The Complete Collection of Alexei Navalny’s Defiant Courtroom Speeches
Photo source: https://theins.ru
In a powerful act of resistance against the Kremlin's efforts to silence opposition, the independent publishing house Freedom Letters has defied demands from Russian authorities to cease distributing its new book, Not-So-Last Words. This collection brings together courtroom statements from 49 political prisoners, spanning the past decade. Among the contributors is Alexei Navalny, whose fiery words have become emblematic of defiance against Vladimir Putin’s regime. Russian officials have denounced the book as a threat to national security, but the publisher remains undeterred. Now, with permission from Freedom Letters, we present the complete collection of Navalny’s final courtroom statements, spanning his legal battles from the "Kirovles case" in 2013 to his last defiant address in January 2022.
"There are still more of us"
Final statement in the “Kirovles case”
July 5, 2013
From the outset, it's clear that this trial is more of a television drama than a legitimate legal proceeding. The real aim here is to present my name across federal TV channels in the hopes of changing public perception about the corruption I’ve been exposing. Yet even amidst this farce, I understand why I’m here: I’m being punished for daring to expose the oligarchs who control our country. But I know this won’t stop me — or the millions of others who demand justice.
"Lying has become the essence of state power"
Final statement in the “Yves Rocher case”
December 19, 2014
Lies have consumed Russia’s justice system, just as they’ve permeated every corner of our government. Those who look down at the table, avoiding eye contact, are complicit in this charade. But the fight against these lies continues — we will not let this corruption define us, even as the state attempts to stifle all dissent.
"Now the power is on your side, but this won't last forever"
Final statement on the appeal of detention extension
January 28, 2021
This trial is nothing more than demonstrative lawlessness. They want to show that they can do whatever they want, including holding trials in police stations. But this is not a display of strength — it’s a sign of weakness. You can imprison one person, but you cannot imprison millions. The time for this regime is running out.
"I deeply offended Putin by surviving"
Final statement during a FSIN hearing on converting Navalny's suspended sentence into a prison term
February 2, 2021
The Kremlin’s hatred for me stems from one simple fact: I survived their assassination attempt. Putin will forever be remembered as a poisoner, not a leader. The lies and corruption fueling this regime will ultimately bring about its downfall.
"I am not afraid, and I urge everyone else not to be afraid"
From a speech during a Lefortovo court session at Correctional Colony No. 2
February 15, 2021
Fear is what they want, but I refuse to be afraid. I urge everyone to join me in rejecting this fear. Life in submission to tyranny is not a life worth living.
"Whoever is on the side of truth will win"
Final statement during an appeal against converting a suspended sentence into a prison term
February 20, 2021
The truth is on our side, and in the end, the truth always wins. No amount of lies can change the reality of our country’s suffering under this corrupt regime. The people who hunger for truth will achieve it.
"Your emperor with no clothes has stolen the Victory Banner and wants to make a thong out of it"
Final statement during the appeal of the verdict in the defamation case against a veteran
April 29, 2021
Putin is a naked emperor, clinging to symbols of Russia’s past victories while his regime squanders the country’s future. This charade will not last. The people see through the lies, and this era of stolen years will come to an end.
"Those who want to fight war must fight only despotism"
From the final statement during a Lefortovo court session at Correctional Colony No. 2
March 15, 2022
This war, like the trials against me, is built on lies. But as Tolstoy once wrote, despotism creates war, and war sustains despotism. The only way to end war is to dismantle despotism itself.
"I despise your court, I despise your system, and I despise your power"
Final statement during the appeal against the sentence for contempt of court and fraud
May 24, 2022
This court, like the entire Russian judicial system, is a facade of justice. I despise everything it stands for, and I will not be silenced by this corrupt power. Their time is running out, and when they fall, history will remember them for what they truly are.
Author: Olga Morozova
