Alexei Navalny’s Funeral Arrangements Confirmed Amidst Concerns

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As Moscow Prepares to Bid Adieu, Navalny’s Funeral Raises Uncertainties and International Allegations

The spokesperson for Alexei Navalny has officially confirmed that the opposition leader will be laid to rest on Friday in Moscow’s Borisovskoye Cemetery, following a farewell service at a local church. Navalny’s sudden death earlier this month has sparked widespread grief and allegations of foul play.

The funeral service is scheduled for 14:00 (11:00 GMT), preceded by a morning farewell ceremony. However, concerns loom over the potential for unrest, as Navalny’s widow, Yulia, expressed uncertainty about the proceedings being peaceful. Yulia Navalny also voiced concerns about the possibility of attendees facing arrest by the police.

Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, passed away in an Arctic prison. His widow and several world leaders have accused Putin of responsibility for Navalny’s death. Despite this, Russian authorities initially withheld the body, and few details about the cause of death have been disclosed.

Navalny’s team encountered difficulties in finding a suitable venue for the funeral ceremony. Some funeral homes claimed to be fully booked, while others reportedly refused to host the event upon learning its nature.

Yulia Navalnaya addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg, condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine as “brutal and sneaky.” She criticized the West’s current strategy and urged MEPs to adopt new approaches inspired by her late husband, whom she described as an inventive political figure.

Since Navalny’s death, approximately 400 people have been arrested across Russia for laying flowers in his memory, according to human rights group OVO-Info. Given these circumstances, a heavy police presence is anticipated during Navalny’s funeral on Friday.