Alexei Navalny Remembered in Moscow Funeral Service After His Death – Sky Bulletin
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The loss of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has moved many of his family members, supporters, and allies to gather for his funeral service on Friday. The venue in Moscow’s southeastern district is where Navalny resided before his 2020 poisoning and subsequent controversial judicial dealings upon his return to Russia from Germany.
The funeral service is being held at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows, with increased police presence and preparations for crowd management noticed. However, the details of the service were not publicly broadcast by the church on social media platforms.
Following the ceremony, Navalny’s interment is set to take place at Borisovskoye Cemetery, also under heightened police surveillance.
Lyudmila Navalnaya, Navalny’s mother, faced bureaucratic challenges in reclaiming her son’s body for burial, including an initial refusal from the authorities due to the supposed need for further post-mortem examinations. A public plea by the 69-year-old to President Putin eventually saw her son’s body released for the funeral arrangements.
Organizing the funeral proved to be further complicated as reports surfaced of individuals and businesses being warned against aiding Navalny’s supporters. Indeed, even securing a hearse for the proceedings became a contentious issue.
With no official statement on Navalny’s cause of death, speculation and accusations have circulated internationally, pointing fingers at the Russian government for the demise of the 47-year-old anti-corruption activist. Navalny’s associates, many of whom live in exile, alongside his widow Yulia Navalnaya, have voiced concerns over potential obstruction and arrests linked with the funeral by Russian authorities.
In light of the government’s refusal to authorize a separate memorial event under the pretext of COVID-19 restrictions, Navalny’s supporters have been urged to honor his memory wherever they are globally. The live stream of the funeral service is intended to allow Navalny’s extensive following to participate in some way.
Notably, the timing of the service has attracted attention, with it originally being considered for the same day as Putin’s key annual address to the nation.
FAQs about Alexei Navalny’s Funeral
- Where is Alexei Navalny’s funeral service being held?
The funeral service is being held at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows in Moscow’s southeastern district. - Was there difficulty releasing Navalny’s body for the funeral?
Yes. Russian authorities initially withheld the body, citing the need for post-mortem tests. Eventually, after an appeal by Navalny’s mother to President Putin, the body was released. - What challenges were faced in organizing the funeral?
Supporters alleged threats and prohibitions against businesses and individuals cooperating with the funeral arrangements, including difficulty in finding a hearse. - Who is expected to attend the funeral?
It is unclear who among Navalny’s family members or allies will attend given that many live in exile. The funeral is being streamed online to allow widespread participation. - Why is there concern about the funeral being hampered by authorities?
There have been expressed fears of police intervention or arrests at the funeral service, and a separate memorial event was denied permission by Moscow authorities.
Conclusion
The funeral of Alexei Navalny is a somber event for many across Russia and the world, marking not only the loss of a prominent opposition figure but highlighting ongoing concerns over rights and freedoms in Russia. As the world watches the proceedings, whether in person or via live streams, Navalny’s legacy as a critic of corruption and authoritarianism lives on in the thoughts and actions of his supporters. The many obstructions faced throughout the organization of his final send-off only serve to reinforce the opposition narrative he championed so fiercely during his life.
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