Funeral ceremonies for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny are set to begin at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in Moscow. However, there is a significant police presence near the church, raising concerns about potential disruptions. Navalny's widow fears attendees may face arrest, and his aides have reported attempts to sabotage the farewell events.
Despite these challenges, mourners have already started to arrive to pay their respects to Navalny, who will be laid to rest later in Moscow. Navalny's journey from his penal colony in Yamal-on-Donetsk to Moscow was marked by obstacles, including his mother being denied access to his body and allegations of blackmail by authorities.
The funeral arrangements have also faced hurdles, with Navalny's team being denied permission to hold a ceremony in a hall or use a hearse to transport his body to Borisov Cemetery. As a result, attendees will have to walk approximately 30 minutes to reach the cemetery from the church.
The turnout at the funeral is a point of contention, as Navalny's team has called on people, regardless of their personal connection to Navalny, to pay their final respects. This call has put pressure on Russian authorities, who have been monitoring and detaining individuals laying flowers at memorials and vigils across the country.
The funeral proceedings are expected to be a delicate and potentially contentious moment, as supporters gather to honor Navalny's legacy despite the challenges imposed by the authorities. The outcome of the ceremonies remains uncertain, with concerns about possible disruptions and arrests looming over the event.
