Saying Goodbye to Alexei Navalny

Finding a Church

Navalny's supporters faced difficulties as several churches in Moscow initially refused to hold the service. Finally, permission was obtained from the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows in the capital's Maryino district, where Navalny once lived before his 2020 poisoning, treatment in Germany, and subsequent arrest in Russia.

Preparation and Presence

Mother's Plea

Challenges and Threats

Despite the body being released, funeral arrangements faced obstacles. Funeral directors were reportedly forbidden to work with Navalny's supporters, and difficulties in finding a hearse were encountered. Threats of unknown origin were also made to prevent the moving of Navalny's body.

Unanswered Questions

Navalny's Legacy Continues

Navalny's family and allies faced uncertainties about who would attend his funeral, as many were in exile abroad due to fears of prosecution in Russia. The Russian government labeled Navalny's Foundation for Fighting Corruption and regional offices as "extremist organizations" in 2021.

Livestream Tribute

Despite challenges, Navalny's team decided to stream the funeral live on his YouTube channel.

Widow's Accusations

Yulia Navalnaya called out Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin for attempting to obstruct a public funeral, emphasizing the importance of a proper farewell for Alexei.

Fear of Interference

Yulia shared concerns about potential police interference during the funeral or arrests of those paying their respects to her late husband. She also addressed European lawmakers in Strasbourg, expressing worries about the safety of mourners.

Denied Memorial Event

Global Tributes

Navalny's spokesperson urged supporters worldwide to honor him by laying flowers in his memory, highlighting his impact and inspiring leadership qualities.

Funeral Logistics

The Anti-Corruption Foundation initially planned Navalny's funeral on the same day as Putin's state-of-the-nation address but faced venue challenges. Zhdanov revealed that pressure was exerted on Navalny's relatives to keep the ceremony low-key.

Conclusion

Despite obstacles and opposition, Navalny's legacy lives on through the continued activism and admiration of his supporters around the globe. The fight against corruption and injustice remains at the forefront of his followers' minds, ensuring that his impact endures.