Patriot

In 2014, Navalny faced intensified persecution from the Russian government, culminating in a politically motivated trial alongside his younger brother, Oleg. The charges, centered on alleged embezzlement involving the French company Yves Rocher, were widely seen as fabricated. Despite Yves Rocher’s representative stating in court that there was no complaint, the court proceeded, reflecting the Kremlin’s control over Russia’s judicial system. 

Navalny was placed under house arrest for nearly a year, during which he was forbidden from using the internet or leaving his apartment. His confinement strained family life, but he tried to maintain normalcy and exercise, though the isolation took its toll. The government’s intent was clear: to isolate him while threatening his family.

The final court hearing took place on December 30, 2014, abruptly moved up from the planned January 15th date, likely to prevent large-scale protests. Alexei received a suspended sentence of three and a half years, while Oleg was sentenced to the same term in prison. The courtroom scene was emotional, especially as Oleg’s young children faced years without their father. Navalny defied his house arrest that night, joining protesters on Moscow’s Tverskaya Street. He was detained but not jailed, with police merely escorting him home and posting guards outside his apartment.