Moscow mourns as crowds gather to honor Alexei Navalny
The day following the funeral saw a continuous line of individuals at the Borisov Cemetery, eager to honor Navalny's memory by laying flowers at his grave.
11:38 AM EST, March 2, 2024
"For the second consecutive day in Moscow, individuals are visiting the Borisov Cemetery to commemorate Alexei Navalny," Nexta reported on the X platform, alongside video footage showcasing the queue at the cemetery.
According to Sota, "Visitors at the cemetery are required to pass through a metal detector, and the police are asking those who have laid flowers to promptly exit the cemetery premises."
Dozhd, an independent Russian TV station, captures the atmosphere of respect and solemnity prevailing at the cemetery. "Visitors are requested to not prolong their goodbyes; instead of mentioning Navalny by name, references are made to 'the deceased' or 'his grave.' The police presence is noted as calm, monitoring the area leading to the cemetery," they shared.
The day succeeding the funeral service, Navalny's mother, Lyudmila Ivanovna, and mother-in-law, Alla Vladimirovna, made another visit to the Borisov Cemetery. Dozhd presenter Anna Mongait documented this visit, including a photograph, in her report.
A subscriber of Alexander Plyushchev's Telegram channel noted, "Visiting the cemetery is a peaceful process," highlighting that the police do not impose pressure on visitors, allowing them to stay "for as long as desired." This indicates that Navalny's legacy continues to resonate with many Russians, despite his passing.
Navalny's Funeral
During Navalny's memorial service on Friday, Russian police restricted access for thousands wishing to bid farewell to the fallen opposition figure. As large crowds formed outside the ceremony, chants of Navalny's name and slogans like "We are not afraid" and "Russia will be free" echoed in the air. Navalny's casket, abundantly adorned with flowers, was then conveyed to the cemetery.
On February 16, Russian authorities announced the shocking news of Navalny's demise. As the most vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, Navalny passed away in a penal colony situated in the remote Arctic Circle, where he was serving a 19-year sentence. His sentence had the potential of extending up to 30 years. The authorities declined to return Navalny's body to his immediate family.
Faced with a harsh choice by the prison authorities, Navalny's mother, Lyudmila, was given two options: a discreet burial in a local cemetery or a grave within the penal colony's grounds. Following these developments, independent Russian media outlets reported that Lyudmila sought legal recourse and garnered support from her son's advocates.
