Title: Thousands Gather for the Funeral of Russian Opposition Leader Alexey Navalny Amidst Heavy Police Presence and Threats of Detention
A large crowd of mourners has congregated at a Moscow church for the funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, defying heavy police presence and potential detention threats. This poignant event took place on February 19, following Navalny’s tragic demise at the age of 47 in an Arctic prison on February 16.
Navalny, a formidable adversary to Russian President Vladimir Putin, passed away under controversial circumstances, leading to widespread condemnation from international leaders and accusations of foul play from his supporters. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the opposition leader’s death.
Navalny’s team faced numerous challenges in securing his body from Russian authorities and arranging a suitable venue for the funeral, which began at 2 p.m. local time (6 a.m. ET) at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in Moscow’s Maryino district, where Navalny had previously resided. Later, he will be laid to rest at Borisov Cemetery.
Crowd control barriers were erected along the route leading to the cemetery ahead of the service, surrounded by numerous police vans. Police officers have been stationed on rooftops overlooking the growing line of mourners.
Those waiting in line shared their reasons for attending, expressing deep admiration and respect for the deceased leader. Marina, who traveled from St. Petersburg to pay her respects, expressed, “He was a true hero… I want to say goodbye to him.” Another woman, Tatiana, 82, revealed her longstanding support for Navalny and his team’s policies. “I have always supported their ideas; I share these ideals,” she stated emphatically.
Although concerned about potential police crackdowns, Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s widow, had expressed her uncertainty regarding the peaceful nature of the event. During a contact Parliament address on February 17, she voiced her concern about potential detentions, stating, “I’m not sure yet whether it will be peaceful or whether police will arrest those who have come to say goodbye to my husband.”
Navalny’s passing evoked a profound response from the global community, characterized by grief and anger. Within Russia itself, even the smallest acts of political dissent carry significant risks. Over 400 individuals were detained at makeshift memorials in Navalny’s honor across 32 Russian cities, according to human rights monitoring group OVD-Info.
