Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader and vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, passed away while in prison at the age of 46. Navalny died due to what his supporters alleged to be a lack of proper medical care after he complained of severe chest pains. Despite initial hesitations to release his body, no foul play was reported in his death by the Russian authorities.
A private ceremony for Navalny's funeral was held in the church where the hearse carrying his body arrived, as large crowds gathered outside, chanting and applauding in his honor. The ceremony was followed by the hearse making its way to a cemetery for burial.
The funeral was met with scrutiny by Russian authorities, with the Kremlin warning that any unsanctioned gathering in memory of Navalny would violate the law. Nevertheless, his supporters gathered in large numbers to bid their respects to the opposition leader, drawing attention to the ongoing tensions in Russian politics.
The process of honoring Navalny's memory was met with difficulties, such as the funeral procession struggling to find adequate services, especially after numerous funeral agencies refused to hold a ceremony for the late dissident. This highlighted the continued opposition and suppression faced by those critical of the Russian government.
Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, spoke out in the European Parliament, declaring that her husband had been abused while in prison before his death and urging for a peaceful funeral amidst worries of disruptions. The funeral itself was a somber and emotional affair, underscoring the lingering impact of Navalny's activism on Russian politics and society.