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Activist’s Suicide Note Blames Putin, Released by Slonim

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maria Slonim released Nina Litvinova’s suicide note accusing President Vladimir Putin of causing her death.
Nina Litvinova, an 80-year-old Russian human rights activist, died by suicide on May 13, 2026.
The note blames Putin’s repression, the war in Ukraine, and names political prisoners Yevgenia Berkovich, Svetlana Petriichuk and Karina Tsurkan.
Memorial confirmed Litvinova’s death, her aid to political prisoners, and Russian outlets RIA and Gazeta.ru omitted the note, prompting Slonim to post it online.

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Story summary

Maria Slonim released Nina Litvinova’s suicide note accusing President Vladimir Putin of causing her death.
Nina Litvinova, an 80-year-old Russian human rights activist, died by suicide on May 13, 2026.
The note blames Putin’s repression, the war in Ukraine, and names political prisoners Yevgenia Berkovich, Svetlana Petriichuk and Karina Tsurkan.
Memorial confirmed Litvinova’s death, her aid to political prisoners, and Russian outlets RIA and Gazeta.ru omitted the note, prompting Slonim to post it online.