Russian activist leaves suicide note blaming Putin for her death

Russian human rights activist and prominent dissident Nina Litvinova has been found dead, in what Russian media have reported as a suicide, while a message published by her family has caused strong political and public reactions.

According to reports, her cousin, journalist Maria Slonim, has shared on social media a fragment of Litvinova's message, in which she referred to her personal situation and the political situation in Russia, blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin for the climate of repression and the war in Ukraine.

In the message, Litvinova stated that life for her had become "unbearable" due to, as it was written, the imprisonment of opponents of the war and the repression of activists within the country.

She also mentioned several well-known figures considered political prisoners in Russia, highlighting the feeling of helplessness to help.

"Since the invasion of Ukraine, people are suffering and dying in prisons just because they oppose the war," the fragment of the message published by the family read.

The Russian human rights organization Memorial had earlier announced her death and described Litvinova as a figure who had been engaged for decades in the defense of political prisoners in Russia, including during the Soviet period.

She was known for her involvement in supporting activists and political prisoners, as well as for participating in trials of prominent Russian opposition figures.

Her death has brought attention back to the human rights situation and political repression in Russia, especially after the start of the war in Ukraine.

The Geopost