Russians mourn Navalny: A wave of tribute amid political tensions

"He was not afraid, and neither are we!", "Julia, we are with you" – chant those who came to say goodbye to Navalny. His coffin was placed at the Borisov Cemetery in Moscow, with the line to the temple stretching for about 1.24 miles. The farewell continues as people still come to honour the deceased oppositionist.

As Navalny's coffin was carried out of the temple, shouts could be heard: "Russia will be free. Putin is a murderer", "Love is stronger than fear", and "No to war".

Julia Navalnaya, the oppositionist's wife, was absent from the funeral - she is currently abroad and, for political reasons, was unable to attend.

The widow of the Russian opposition leader shared a touching post on the X platform.

"Losza, thank you for 26 years of absolute happiness, yes, including the last three. I don't know how to live without you, but I will try so that you - up there - can be proud of me. I love you forever. Rest in peace," Julia Navalnaya wrote.

A two-minute video showcasing their shared moments was attached to the post.

Thousands are bidding farewell to Navalny. In the streets, they shout: "No to war".

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, "The Kremlin cannot assess Navalny as a political figure," warning that those "participating in unauthorized rallies on the day of Navalny's funeral will face legal consequences".

On February 16, Russian authorities announced the unexpected death of Navalny, Vladimir Putin's most prominent political adversary. Navalny had died in a penal colony beyond the Arctic Circle, where he was serving a 19-year sentence, facing up to 30 years. The authorities denied the family's request to return his body.

Alexei Navalny's mother, Ludmila, was presented with an ultimatum by prison authorities: either consent to a quiet funeral at a local cemetery or have her son buried at the penal colony. Independent Russian media report that she contested these actions in a local court, receiving support from her son's backers.