NEW DELHI: 1000’s of Russians gathered in Moscow on Friday to mourn the demise of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Navalny’s mom and father attended a small funeral in a Moscow church, surrounded by police. {A photograph} of Navalny’s physique in a flower-laden coffin circulated on social media. Contained in the church, an Orthodox priest performed a brief service whereas exterior, folks chanted Navalny’s title.
After the funeral, some chanted slogans reminiscent of “Russia might be free” and “Putin is a assassin.” Navalny, referred to as President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest critic, died on the age of 47 in an Arctic penal colony on February 16.His supporters imagine he was murdered, whereas the Kremlin denies any state involvement. Navalny’s motion has been outlawed as extremist and his supporters have been labeled as US-backed troublemakers.
The funeral happened forward of a presidential election the place Putin is anticipated to win one other six-year time period. Safety was tight on the church, with folks queuing in an orderly style to pay their respects. Mourners expressed their help for Navalny’s household and praised Navalny for his fearlessness and talking out towards the authorities. Navalny’s physique was later taken to the Borisovskoye cemetery.
Over 1 / 4 of 1,000,000 folks watched the occasions on Navalny’s blocked YouTube channel. Allies of Navalny exterior Russia referred to as on folks to attend memorials to Soviet-era repression in their very own cities.
The Kremlin warned that any unsanctioned gatherings in help of Navalny would violate the regulation. Navalny’s spouse and kids, who’re dwelling exterior Russia, didn’t attend the funeral. Rights teams suggested mourners to carry their passports and water, in addition to contact particulars of legal professionals in case of detainment.
Navalny was a Christian who criticized Putin’s resolution to ship troops into Ukraine. The church internet hosting his funeral has supported the Russian military and the battle. Navalny’s allies accused Putin of getting him murdered to stop his launch in a prisoner swap.
The Kremlin denies any involvement in his demise. Navalny was a outstanding determine in Russian politics, organizing protests and exposing corruption. He confronted a number of prison prices, which he claimed have been politically motivated. He returned to Russia in 2021 after being handled for poisoning in Germany and was instantly arrested. Putin has not commented on Navalny’s demise and infrequently talked about him by title previously.



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