In the wake of the tragic and controversial death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the world has witnessed a polarized response from Western nations. The outcry following Navalny’s reported death, allegedly at the hands of the Kremlin, starkly contrasts with the tepid reaction to Serbia’s crackdown on pro-democracy Russian activists. This dichotomy underscores a complex geopolitical landscape where principles of democracy and human rights are inconsistently applied.
Navalny, a long-standing critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died under suspicious circumstances while serving a 19-year sentence in a remote Russian penal colony. World leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Joe Biden, have been quick to point fingers at Putin and his regime for Navalny’s death. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed these sentiments, highlighting Navalny’s courage and the oppressive nature of the Russian regime.
The global response was immediate and intense, with protests erupting in cities across Europe and beyond. From Belgrade to Tel Aviv, Paris to Tbilisi, the outcry reflected widespread condemnation of Putin’s government and its alleged role in Navalny’s death. These demonstrations, while potent symbols of solidarity, also serve as a glaring contrast to the West’s muted reaction to events unfolding in Serbia.
In Serbia, a nation aspiring to EU membership, the plight of pro-democracy Russian dissidents has garnered scant attention. Despite Belgrade’s close ties with Moscow and troubling human rights records, Western nations have been largely silent. The case of Vladimir Volokhonski and Peter Nikitin, Russian activists who have faced residency issues in Serbia, exemplifies this disparity. Their struggles, along with those of many other Russian emigrants in Serbia, reveal a worrying trend of repression that echoes Kremlin tactics, yet has failed to elicit a significant response from Western powers.
This inconsistency in the Western response is not just a matter of selective outrage but reflects deeper geopolitical complexities. Serbia, despite its EU aspirations, has maintained a cozy relationship with Russia, evidenced by a foreign policy consultancy agreement signed in September 2022. This bond has seemingly shielded Belgrade from the kind of scrutiny and consequences typically faced by nations that undermine democratic values.
Moreover, Serbia’s role in regional instability, particularly in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and even Bulgaria, raises serious concerns. The country’s involvement in paramilitary actions in Kosovo’s north, reminiscent of Russia’s tactics in Donbas, underscores a pattern of behaviour that challenges the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Yet, Western responses have been inconsistent, at times even favouring sanctions on Kosovo, thereby aligning with Serbian interests possibly influenced by Moscow.
This dichotomy in Western reactions — vocal and swift against Putin’s Russia, yet subdued and cautious regarding Serbia — raises questions about the consistency of the West’s commitment to democracy and human rights. While Navalny’s death has rightly drawn global condemnation, the silence over Serbia’s actions is a troubling testament to the complexities of international politics, where strategic interests often overshadow moral imperatives.
As the world mourns Navalny and decries the Kremlin’s oppressive tactics, it is imperative to also turn a critical eye towards other regions where democracy is under threat. Serbia’s actions against Russian dissidents, its regional aggressions, and its cozy relationship with Moscow demand scrutiny and response from the international community. Failure to address these issues not only undermines the global fight for human rights and democracy but also emboldens authoritarian regimes worldwide.
While the West’s reaction to Navalny’s death is a necessary stance against authoritarianism, it should not overshadow or excuse the lack of response to similar issues elsewhere. The situation in Serbia serves as a stark reminder that the principles of democracy and human rights must be universally applied, regardless of geopolitical complexities. Only through a consistent and principled approach can the international community hope to effectively challenge authoritarianism and support those fighting for democracy worldwide.
Vudi Xhymshiti, founder and chief editor of The Frontliner Magazine, brings a wealth of experience in reporting on global armed conflicts and political issues. With a background in Documentary Photography and Photojournalism from the University of the Arts London, and studies in Political Science, International Relations, and Diplomacy, Vudi skilfully merges human rights insights with dedicated journalism. His ethical and thoughtful reporting has graced top publications like The Guardian and The New York Times. At The Frontliner, launched in 2023, he explores the profound effects of conflicts on law, human rights, and freedoms, continuing his commitment to impactful storytelling.
