Yulia Navalnaya has presented the first Alexei Navalny Prize to the mutual aid platform Zaodno, which helps people in Russia who are persecuted for their political beliefs.

This prize recognizes those who, despite obstacles and risks, are paving the way toward a free and democratic Russia. “Zaodno” does exactly that — a small team of committed people who every day support those whom Putin’s regime punishes for speaking out.

“Zaodno” is a way to help a specific person: to pay for a lawyer, cover fines, or send money to a family left in a difficult situation because of a criminal case or administrative prosecution. And all of this continues to work even inside Russia.

It is important not to feel alone. To know that you are not powerless, and that there are others standing beside you. This is what real civil society looks like — the kind of society Alexei Navalny believed in. And it is precisely such a society that will eventually change everything.

The laureate will donate the €10,000 prize money to support political prisoners.