Funeral directors are facing backlash for refusing to transport the body of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny from the morgue to his funeral on Friday, March 1. This decision comes after receiving threats from unknown individuals. Navalny’s team has criticized authorities for trying to prevent him from having a dignified public burial following his death in prison almost two weeks ago.
Ivan Zhdanov, an exiled ally of Navalny, expressed his outrage at the situation, stating, “What a disgrace.” The hearse drivers have reportedly refused to transport Navalny’s body due to threatening calls from unknown individuals warning them not to do so. As a result, no one has agreed to transport his body.
Navalny’s spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, mentioned that funeral directors had received threatening calls from unknown people, leading to the refusal to transport Navalny’s body. Despite these challenges, Navalny’s team remains determined to find a solution.
Navalny passed away on February 16 in a Russian prison, where he was serving a 19-year sentence that many believe was politically motivated. The authorities initially resisted handing his body over to his family, prompting accusations of a cover-up by his team.
While Russian authorities claim Navalny died of natural causes, his team and some Western leaders hold President Putin directly responsible. As plans for Navalny’s burial in Moscow unfold, concerns remain about potential protests or dissent against Putin. Despite the Kremlin denying involvement in these arrangements, Navalny’s allies are determined to hold a civil memorial service in his honor.
The late dissident is set to be buried in the Russian capital after a church service in his former neighborhood. Navalny’s allies have pledged to livestream the funeral service online to ensure that his memory is honored.
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