“Putin murderer! Putin to The Hague,” cried a crowd massed before Russia’s imposing embassy in Berlin – a reference to the Dutch city that hosts the International Criminal Court.
Most of the several hundred people gathered there were Russian speakers, many holding up posters of members of the opposition or slogans criticising Putin.
“It’s a hard hit emotionally,” said Evgueni Syrokin, who coordinates the “FreeNavalny” movement in Germany.
“It pushes us to continue to work, to struggle against Putin,” added the 43-year-old, bearing a black and white photo of the opposition figure.
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Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny disappears from prison, aides say
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny disappears from prison, aides say
Behind him, flowers, candles and photos of Navalny were laid on the pavement.
In Warsaw, about 100 people demonstrated outside the Russian embassy. Most were young and visibly upset.
One 29-year-old Russian who only wanted to be identified as Denislan said he saw Navalny as a symbol of Russian civil society.
“I am here because Russia should and can become a democratic country,” he said.
Candles and flowers were spread out in front of the gates of the well-guarded embassy.
Defiant Navalny blames Putin for poisoning, vows return to Russia
Defiant Navalny blames Putin for poisoning, vows return to Russia
And in Moscow, small groups of Russians laid flowers at makeshift memorials.
Images on social media showed dozens queuing to place flowers at monuments to victims of political repression in the cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
The shock announcement of Navalny’s death came a day before official campaigning starts in what critics say will be a stage-managed presidential election in March that will extend 71-year-old Putin’s two-decade hold on power.
In the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, crowds gathered at a memorial to victims of the Soviet occupation.
“Even in prison, he managed to find the force and give it to those who resist,” said one Russian resident of Vilnius who did not want to give his name.
In London, a few dozen gathered outside the Russian embassy with signs in English and Russian saying “Putin assassin”, “Navalny is our hero”, and “Putin go to hell”.
Across the ocean in New York, people laid flowers outside Russia’s consulate and hung photos of Navalny on the gates. Several people held signs saying “Putin-Killer.”
Several hundred people, some bearing posters and candles, also gathered in front of the Russian embassy in the US capital, Washington, chanting “We are Navalny” and “Shame on Putin”.
The words “Putin murderer” were projected on the embassy building.
“I expected it, but it’s still so painful that he left us so early,” Maryam Henry, a 44-year-old teacher, said outside the embassy.
“It’s such a tragic day. He was a symbol of freedom, bravery and resistance,” said a 29-year-old gymnastics coach who gave her name as Polina.