This morning in Moscow, Alexei Navalny rallies the Russian people even in death. Thousands of mourners defied the risk of arrest to gather outside the funeral of Vladimir Putin's most vocal and daring critic. A poignant image of Navalny in his casket covered in flowers was shared by his team on social media earlier today. Navalny's death in a Russian prison camp two weeks ago continues to spark outrage globally.
The crowd leaving his funeral marched one and a half miles to his burial site, chanting 'Russia without Putin.' Navalny's widow expressed gratitude for the 26 years of happiness she shared with him. Despite the dodgy signal due to security measures, the procession of mourners stretched into the distance, with Russians paying their last respects by laying flowers and messages.
Navalny's death has united people in grief and dissent against the current state of Russia. Many attendees at the funeral expressed cautious solidarity, acknowledging the risks of speaking out against the government. The gathering symbolized a collective stance against the ongoing events in the country.
Despite the heavy security presence and the detention of individuals placing flowers at memorials in recent weeks, thousands of Russians turned out to honor Navalny. Riot police lined the route, but authorities allowed the procession to proceed peacefully. The funeral will continue at a nearby cemetery, with the procession expected to carry on throughout the day.
