ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini paid tribute to Alexei Navalny as a great patriot and national martyr.

Speaking at the debate in Strasbourg one year after Navalny’s murder and the ongoing repression of democratic opposition in Russia, Procaccini said in personal terms: “I am a Conservative, a man of the right. I love my country deeply, and that is why I have such admiration for this Russian martyr. And it is also why I despise those who, while calling themselves patriots, undermine his legacy and disregard his sacrifice”.

According to Procaccini, it is only at first glance that Navalny’s courage seems out of time. In fact, Navalny’s sacrifice is an inspiration to many:

“Personally, I can hardly imagine the courage it takes for a man who, after miraculously surviving yet another assassination attempt, kisses his wife and children goodbye and boards a plane to return to his homeland to face a cruel and murderous regime head-on.”

“Was it worth it?”, said Procaccini. “The fact that we are here today talking about him is proof that it was. I believe that the courage of a few can inspire many, and that sooner or later Russia will be free again”.

Quoting Tolstoy, Procaccini concluded: “Just as one torch ignites another and sets thousands on fire, so one heart ignites another and sets thousands of hearts on fire”.