28 February 2024 , 13:06
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Alexei Navalny’ s widow says she fears Vladimir Putin will order those who attend her husband’s funeral to be arrested by police.
The Russian opposition leader, 47, met his end at the notorious earlier this month where enemies of the president, including terrorist suspects, alleged spies and high-profile ex-officials, are kept. His death sparked outcry in Russia with rumours suggesting his death came at the order of Putin himself, despite conflicting blood clot reports.
His funeral is to be held Friday at a church in Moscow before his body is taken to a local cemetery. Widow Yulia, who was married to Alexei for 20 years, told the European Parliament she fears it will not be the quiet affair usually afforded for funerals. She said: “I’m not sure yet whether it will be peaceful or whether police will arrest those who have come to say goodbye to my husband.”
Earlier she asked the parliament to be “innovative” when dealing with the Russianleader. She added: “You cannot hurt Putin with another resolution or another set of sanctions. [His death] showed everyone Putin is capable of anything, and that you cannot negotiate with him.”
Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, paid tribute to Navalny. She said: “For many in Russia and outside, he represented hope. Hope in better days. Hope in a free Russia. Hope in the future.”
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Mourners lighting candles in Navalny's honour in Poland (Anadolu via Getty Images)Earlier today, Navalny’s former spokesperson Kira Yarmysh confirmed his funeral service will be held on Friday, but added they had trouble finding a venue. She wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter : “Alexei’s funeral service will take place in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Quench My Sorrows” in Maryino on March 1 at 14.00. Come early. The funeral will take place at the Borisov Cemetery.”
“Since yesterday we have been looking for a place where we can organise a farewell event for Alexey. We have called most of the private and public funeral agencies, commercial venues and funeral halls.
Some of them say the place is fully booked. Some refuse when we mention the surname "Navalny". In one place, we were told the funeral agencies were forbidden to work with us. After a day of searching, we still haven’t found the farewell hall.”