The funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who passed away earlier this month in a remote Arctic penal colony, is set to take place on Friday in Moscow. Despite challenges in securing a venue, his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, announced that arrangements have been made for the solemn ceremony. Yarmysh informed that the funeral will be held at a church in Moscow’s southeast Maryino district, followed by burial at a nearby cemetery.
Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin of attempting to hinder a public funeral. She expressed the family’s desire for a dignified farewell for Navalny and criticized the obstacles faced in organizing the event.
What were the obstacles in arranging Alexei Navalny’s funeral arrangement?
Navalny’s team allegedly encountered numerous difficulties in securing a venue, with many locations claiming to be fully booked or refusing service upon hearing the surname ‘Navalny.’ Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, highlighted the challenges, attributing them to political motives. Authorities allegedly pressured Navalny’s relatives to opt for a private funeral and relocate the burial to a different cemetery.
Zhdanov revealed instances of intimidation, including the brief detention of Navalny’s lawyer, Vasily Dubkov, when visiting the morgue. Navalny’s widow had also addressed European lawmakers in Strasbourg, expressing concerns about potential police interference during the funeral. She called upon the European Parliament to adopt innovative strategies in dealing with the Russian government and its associates.
Speculations around Navalny’s death
Zhdanov hinted at negotiations for a possible prisoner exchange involving Navalny before his demise, although these claims remain unconfirmed. The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death continue to be a subject of speculation and scrutiny.
(With AP Inputs)