Thousands Gather to Bid Farewell to Alexei Navalny in Unprecedented Memorial Service

Thousands of mourners defied authorities in Moscow to pay their respects to the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in jail on February 16th. The memorial service, held at the Church of the Icon of Our Lady Quench My Sorrows, saw a massive turnout despite the potential risks involved.

President Vladimir Putin‘s most prominent critic, Navalny’s death sparked outrage and accusations against the Russian president. However, Russian authorities deny any wrongdoing, claiming Navalny died of natural causes while serving time in a penal colony in the Arctic.

Foreign leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, praised the courage of those attending the funeral. The live stream of the ceremony on YouTube attracted over a quarter of a million viewers, showcasing the widespread impact of Navalny’s legacy.

The ceremony included touching moments such as the playing of Frank Sinatra‘s My Way at the burial and the display of a sign at the cemetery reading, “Putin killed him but didn’t break him.” Mourners and supporters flocked to the Church and cemetery, demonstrating their solidarity.

Organized by the First Department, a group of lawyers and human rights defenders, the funeral marked a pivotal moment for the opposition movement in Russia. Despite fears of a crackdown by authorities, the day proceeded relatively peacefully, with minimal intervention from the police.