Unknown individuals have reportedly thwarted efforts to arrange a proper funeral for Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who died earlier this month after being imprisoned in a Siberian penal colony. Navalny’s team has revealed that they faced challenges in hiring a hearse for his funeral, as no drivers were willing to transport his body after receiving threats.
In addition to the difficulties with the hearse, Navalny’s team also struggled to book a venue for the funeral service in Moscow. Many venues claimed to be busy or refused to work with Navalny’s team, causing further delays in the planning process.
Initially, the team had planned for a public farewell and funeral for Navalny on Thursday, but encountered issues with cemetery workers. This has raised concerns about potential disruptions and crackdowns at the funeral on Friday.
Navalny’s death on February 16 has sparked a wave of grief and anger, both globally and within Russia, where political dissent is met with severe repercussions. His wife has directly accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being responsible for her husband’s death, alleging that Navalny was tortured during his three-year imprisonment.
The Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny’s death, but the ongoing challenges faced by Navalny’s team in arranging his funeral have only added to the growing suspicion and scrutiny surrounding the circumstances of his passing.
The aftermath of Navalny’s death has also seen over 400 people detained at memorials held in his honor across Russian cities. This has further fueled concerns about potential crackdowns and limitations on public mourning and protests, as the country continues to grapple with the loss of a prominent and influential figure in its political landscape.
