Thousands of mourners gathered in Moscow to pay their respects to Alexei Navalny, the late Russian political figure and prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin. The funeral procession and service were marked by emotional scenes as supporters defied orders from Russian authorities and expressed their grief and solidarity.
Key Takeaway
Thousands of mourners gathered in Moscow to pay their respects to Alexei Navalny, defying orders from Russian authorities and expressing their grief and solidarity. The emotional scenes at the funeral underscore the impact of Navalny’s life and activism, while also highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding his death.
Emotional Farewell
Despite orders from Russian authorities, thousands of people turned out to honor Navalny, with many holding flowers as his body was laid in a closed coffin and carried inside the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows. The outpouring of support was evident as the line of mourners stretched several blocks, underscoring the impact of Navalny’s life and activism.
Defiance and Detentions
Many mourners defied orders from Russian authorities by taking photos of the procession and service, with some images being shared on Navalny’s YouTube channel. However, this act of defiance led to the detention of four hundred people by Putin’s police force, including some who were detained for displaying flowers at Navalny’s memorial sites.
Family Absence and Controversy
Navalny’s parents were present at the funeral, carrying lit candles, but his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, and their two children, Daria and Zakhar, did not attend, likely due to security concerns. The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death have been shrouded in controversy, with his official cause of death not disclosed. Despite prison officials citing “sudden death syndrome” as the cause, many believe Putin’s involvement in Navalny’s passing, especially given the delayed release of Navalny’s remains to his family.
