Russians, including prominent figures like Nobel Prize-winning journalist Dmitry Muratov and ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov, have released videos urging Russian authorities to return the body of opposition leader Alexei Navalny to his family. This plea comes a week after Navalny's death in an Arctic penal colony.
Navalny's mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, has resisted pressure to agree to a secret burial away from the public eye. She stated that she was allowed to see her son's body in a city morgue and demanded its return to her. Navalnaya accused authorities of trying to force her into agreeing to a secret burial, which she vehemently opposes.
Navalny's spokesman revealed that Navalnaya was shown a medical certificate stating that the 47-year-old politician died of 'natural causes,' without specifying further details.
Prominent Russians have directly appealed to President Vladimir Putin to return Navalny's body to his family. The calls for compassion and respect for Navalny's family have been echoed by various individuals, including those who have faced political persecution in the past.
Navalny's sudden death has sparked public outcry, with hundreds of Russians gathering at impromptu memorials to pay their respects. The Russian authorities have detained numerous individuals as they seek to prevent widespread displays of sympathy for Navalny.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, U.S. President Joe Biden met with Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnaya and daughter Dasha to express condolences for their loss. Biden praised Navalny's courage and highlighted the strength shown by his family in the face of tragedy.
Navalnaya has filed a lawsuit contesting officials' refusal to release her son's body, with a court hearing scheduled for March 4. She has publicly expressed her desire for a dignified burial for Navalny, rejecting the notion of a secret funeral.
In a video statement, Navalnaya accused authorities of pressuring her and emphasized the importance of allowing those who cared for Navalny to bid him a proper farewell. She alleged that officials had threatened her, claiming that time was running out due to the decomposition of the body.
The Kremlin has denied any wrongdoing, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing allegations of a cover-up and refuting claims that Putin was involved in Navalny's death.
