The Intelligence from The Economist Bravery behind bars: Alexei Navalny imprisoned
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Jul 13, 2022 
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, provides keen insights into the repressive environment surrounding Alexei Navalny's imprisonment. He delves into the harsh conditions Navalny faces and the broader implications for dissent in Russia, particularly post-Ukraine invasion. The conversation also touches on the resilience of protest movements and the surprising global population trends, including declining fertility rates. Lastly, a fascinating discussion on how light affects wine quality adds a unique twist to the dialogue.
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Navalny's Plight
- Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader, was poisoned with Novichok and arrested upon returning to Moscow.
- He's now in a maximum security prison, enduring harsh conditions and limited contact with the outside world.
Kremlin's Motivation
- Navalny's imprisonment aims to silence dissent and demonstrate the Kremlin's power.
- His refusal to yield fuels their anger, leading to harsher treatment.
Russian Prison System
- While Navalny's case is prominent, conditions in Russian prisons are generally dire, resembling the Soviet Gulag system.
- The Kremlin prefers exile to imprisonment, aiming to weaken opposition voices.