Mourning Navalny: Russia bids farewell amid calls for freedom
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"He was not afraid, and we are not afraid!", "Julia, we are with you" – chant those who came to say goodbye to Navalny. The coffin with the body of the oppositionist was placed at the Borisov cemetery in Moscow. The line to the temple stretched for about 2 kilometres. People are still bidding farewell to the deceased oppositionist.
As Navalny's coffin was leaving the temple, shouts could be heard: "Russia will be free. Putin is a murderer", "Love is stronger than fear", and "No to war".
Alexei Navalny's funeral
Julia Nawalna, the oppositionist's wife, did not appear at the funeral - she is currently abroad and for political reasons could not participate in his funeral.
Julia Nawalna says goodbye to her husband
The widow of the Russian opposition leader posted a moving entry on the X platform.
"Losza, thank you for 26 years of absolute happiness. Yes, even for the last three years of happiness. I don't know how to live without you, but I will try so that you there - above - can rejoice and be proud of me. I love you forever. Rest in peace" - Julia Nawalna wrote.
A two-minute video with their shared moments was attached to the post.
Thousands of people are bidding farewell to Navalny. On one of the streets, they shout the slogan: "No to war".
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "The Kremlin cannot assess Navalny as a political figure", and those, "who participate in illegal rallies on the day of Navalny’s funeral, will be held legally responsible".
On 16 February, Russian authorities announced the sudden death of Navalny, the most well-known political opponent of Vladimir Putin. Navalny had died in a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle, where he was serving a 19-year prison sentence, and was even facing up to 30 years in prison. Authorities refused to return the politician's body to his family.
Alexei Navalny's mother, Ludmila, was given an ultimatum by prison authorities: either agree to a quiet funeral at a local cemetery, or the oppositionist would be buried on the grounds of the penal colony. Independent Russian media reported that the woman appealed these actions to a local court. She also received support from her son's supporters.
