International

Emotional Farewell: Thousands Gather for Aleksei Navalny's Funeral

Under stringent security measures in Moscow, supporters of Aleksei Navalny have gathered to bid farewell to the late politician.

The burial of the Russian opposition leader will take place at Borisov Cemetery, close to his former residence. The funeral service is about to commence. A large crowd has assembled near the church, with law enforcement officers observed on the roof of a nearby building. Photography and filming have been prohibited at both the church and cemetery. Navalny's associates and team anticipate potential obstacles and arrests by the police.

The funeral proceedings for Aleksei Navalny are being conducted under close police surveillance. Associates of the opposition figure were unable to secure a venue for the funeral service and were denied access to a hearse. The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Alleviate My Sorrow," where the service is being held, along with the cemetery, are under police guard, with entire neighbourhoods cordoned off. Signs warning against photography are posted on the church doors, and a surveillance camera is positioned above the altar.

Finding a burial site for Navalny proved challenging as many churches declined to host the service. Associates of the prominent Putin critic encourage attendance at the funeral.

The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Alleviate My Sorrow" is located in the Mariino district, Navalny's former neighbourhood. The cemetery is situated slightly farther away, across the Moskva River, posing potential transportation challenges.

Leonid Volkov, a member of Navalny's team, revealed the difficulties encountered in arranging transportation from the morgue to the church. Funeral companies refused services, and anonymous threats were received. Similarly, renting a venue for the funeral service was impossible. Aleksei Navalny passed away on February 16 at the Polar Bear colony in Harp.

Authorities claim Navalny died of natural causes, but his family, team, and many Western leaders accuse Vladimir Putin of involvement. Navalny spent three years in harsh detention, and for nine days, associates struggled to retrieve his body.

The attendance of Navalny's family and allies at the funeral remains unclear, with many in exile abroad to avoid prosecution in Russia. Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation and its regional offices were designated as "extremist organisations" by the Russian government in 2021.

The funeral service of Aleksei Navalny is currently underway. Thousands have gathered at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Alleviate My Sorrow," chanting: "Aleksei!", "We will not forgive!".

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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