The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was finally handed over to his mother, Lyudmila Ivanovna. This was reported on social media by Kira Yarmysh, spokeswoman for Navalny, who died in captivity more than a week ago.
Yarmysh also assured that the funeral "is still pending" and that she does not know whether it will be held as requested by the authorities or according to the wishes of the family, "as Alexey deserves."
According to members of Navalny's team, Russian authorities delivered his body to his family on the condition that they agree to a private funeral. If these conditions were not met, they threatened to bury him in the prison, according to AFP.
Russian authorities have responded with a heavy hand to any show of support following Navalny's death, arresting protesters and even journalists covering the protests.
Alexey's body was handed over to his mother. Many thanks to all those who demanded this with us.
Lyudmila Ivanovna is still in Salekhard. The funeral is still pending. We do not know if the authorities will interfere to carry it out as the family wants and as Alexey deserves. We…
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) February 24, 2024
Both members of the dissident's entourage and international leaders, including President Biden, point to the Kremlin as the culprit in Navalny's death. For this reason, the White House announced this Friday a series of economic sanctions against Putin’s government.
