NEW DELHI: Thousands of Russians gathered in Moscow on Friday to mourn the death of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Navalny's mother and father attended a small funeral in a Moscow church, surrounded by police. A photograph of Navalny's body in a flower-laden coffin circulated on social media. Inside the church, an Orthodox priest conducted a short service while outside, people chanted Navalny's name.
After the funeral, some chanted slogans such as "Russia will be free" and "Putin is a murderer." Navalny, known as President Vladimir Putin's fiercest critic, died at the age of 47 in an Arctic penal colony on February 16. His supporters believe he was murdered, while the Kremlin denies any state involvement. Navalny's movement has been outlawed as extremist and his supporters have been labeled as US-backed troublemakers.
The funeral took place ahead of a presidential election where Putin is expected to win another six-year term. Security was tight at the church, with people queuing in an orderly fashion to pay their respects. Mourners expressed their support for Navalny's family and praised Navalny for his fearlessness and speaking out against the authorities. Navalny's body was later taken to the Borisovskoye cemetery.
Over a quarter of a million people watched the events on Navalny's blocked YouTube channel. Allies of Navalny outside Russia called on people to attend memorials to Soviet-era repression in their own towns.
The Kremlin warned that any unsanctioned gatherings in support of Navalny would violate the law. Navalny's wife and children, who are living outside Russia, did not attend the funeral. Rights groups advised mourners to bring their passports and water, as well as contact details of lawyers in case of detainment.
Navalny was a Christian who criticized Putin's decision to send troops into Ukraine. The church hosting his funeral has supported the Russian army and the war. Navalny's allies accused Putin of having him murdered to prevent his release in a prisoner swap.
The Kremlin denies any involvement in his death. Navalny was a prominent figure in Russian politics, organizing protests and exposing corruption. He faced multiple criminal charges, which he claimed were politically motivated. He returned to Russia in 2021 after being treated for poisoning in Germany and was immediately arrested. Putin has not commented on Navalny's death and rarely mentioned him by name in the past.Read More