NewsAlexei Navalny's Final Farewell: Security Tightens Ahead of Funeral

Alexei Navalny's Final Farewell: Security Tightens Ahead of Funeral

Images source: © GETTY | Anadolu

9:41 AM EST, March 1, 2024

The police are securing the area around the church, and an increasing number of police vehicles are being reported at the site, according to Mediazona.

Dozhd TV has also noted a significant presence of OMON officers or special police forces. They are reportedly on duty at the metro station, checking the identities of individuals bringing flowers.

A Mediazona correspondent highlighted issues with mobile internet connection near the church. On Thursday, The Insider service reported the installation of an antenna next to the temple, aimed at ensuring communication for the power structures. It is speculated that the signal may be jammed during the funeral ceremony.

Metal barriers have been placed on the road from the nearest metro station to the church and the cemetery.

Navalny's funeral is set to occur on Friday at the Borisovsky cemetery, with a service over his coffin planned in the nearby church. The ceremony in the church will commence at 2 PM Moscow time (6 AM Eastern Time).

On February 16, Russian authorities announced the unforeseen death of Navalny, the most prominent political opponent of Vladimir Putin. Navalny had died in a prison above the Arctic Circle, where he was serving a 19-year sentence, with the possibility of facing up to 30 years in prison. The authorities declined to release the politician's body to his relatives.

On the road leading from the nearby metro station to the church and cemetery, metal barriers were erected.© PAP | MAXIM SHIPENKOV

Ludmila, Navalny's mother, was given an ultimatum by the prison authorities: agree to a quiet funeral at the local cemetery or her son would be interred on the penal colony grounds. As per reports from independent Russian media, she contested these actions in the local court and received backing from her son's supporters.

Navalny's associates have mentioned their struggles to find a funeral home willing to organize a public farewell ceremony. Both state and private entities refused, with some admitting they were instructed to decline such requests.