MOSCOW – The funeral of prominent Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is set to take place in Moscow today amidst heightened security and concerns of a police crackdown. Navalny, 47, died suddenly two weeks ago in an Arctic penal colony, leading to widespread speculation and accusations from his allies.
Navalny’s allies, who have pledged to livestream the events, accuse President Vladimir Putin of orchestrating his murder, alleging that the Russian leader feared Navalny’s potential release in a prisoner swap. While no evidence has been provided to support this claim, Navalny’s allies have vowed to reveal details about the alleged murder and its perpetrators.
The Kremlin has denied any state involvement in Navalny’s death, asserting that they are unaware of any agreement to release him. According to his death certificate, provided by his allies, Navalny died of natural causes.
A religious service for Navalny is scheduled at 1400 local time at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in Moscow’s Maryino district, where Navalny used to live. The burial is set to take place at the Borisovskoye cemetery, around 2.5 km away on the other side of the Moskva River, two hours later.
Navalny, a former lawyer, posed a significant political challenge to Putin, organizing protests and publishing investigations into alleged corruption within the ruling elite. Facing criminal charges that he deemed politically motivated, Navalny returned to Russia from Germany in 2021, only to be immediately taken into custody.
Putin, yet to comment on Navalny’s death, controls the levers of state and is expected to be re-elected for another six-year term in two weeks. State TV in Russia had avoided mentioning Navalny for years, and when it did, coverage was brief and negative.
Navalny’s allies, designated as US-backed extremists by Russian authorities, have called for memorial gatherings at landmarks across towns at 7 p.m. local time. The Kremlin has dismissed their statements as provocative, warning of police intervention.
Navalny’s wife Yulia, outside Russia, expressed uncertainty about the funeral proceedings, fearing possible arrests. Navalny’s mother, Lyudmila, 69, is expected to attend, but attendees at the church service remain uncertain.
In the lead-up to the funeral, Navalny’s allies accused authorities of blocking plans for a larger civil memorial service and reported disruptions in hiring a hearse for the funeral. The Kremlin disclaimed any involvement in the funeral arrangements.