Hundreds of supporters and relatives bid farewell to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny at a funeral in Moscow on Friday, following a battle with authorities over the release of his body after his recent death in prison. The funeral service took place at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows, with many facing police presence and delays before proceeding to the cemetery. The hearse carrying Navalny’s body arrived at the church, and his mother sat beside his coffin holding a candle.
Western diplomats were seen at the funeral, including Canada’s ambassador to Russia, Sarah Taylor. Many of Navalny’s associates in exile were not able to attend the funeral due to fear of prosecution. Russian authorities have not disclosed the cause of Navalny’s death, but many in the West have blamed President Vladimir Putin. His family, including his wife and children, were not present at the funeral.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned against any unauthorized gatherings in response to the funeral and refused to provide any assessment of Navalny as a political figure. The Kremlin also denied permission for a separate memorial event for Navalny and Boris Nemtsov, another slain opposition leader, citing COVID-19 restrictions. Navalny’s team called for global rallies in his honor. The funeral was live-streamed on Navalny’s YouTube channel and drew attention from around the world.
Source
Photo credit www.cbc.ca