Mother Receives Alexei Navalny’s Body Amid Allegations of Blackmail and Fears of Interference in Funeral Arrangements
Lyudmila Navalnaya, 69, has finally been given the body of her son, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, more than a week after his demise in an Arctic prison on February 16, according to statements from Navalny’s spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh. The delay in handing over the body has raised concerns, with Yarmysh previously accusing Russian officials of attempting to “blackmail” Navalnaya, threatening to take undisclosed actions if she did not agree to a secret burial without mourners.
Several Western leaders have pointed fingers at Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian authorities, alleging their involvement in Navalny’s death. However, the Kremlin vehemently denies these accusations. Yarmysh took to social media to announce the handover, stating, “Alexey’s body was handed over to his mother. Many thanks to all those who demanded this with us.”
Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, believes her husband was poisoned, asserting that Russian authorities kept his body to allow traces of the nerve agent novichok to dissipate. “My husband was unbreakable. And that’s precisely why Putin killed him,” she stated earlier in the week.
The Russian opposition leader was moved to the remote “Polar Wolf” Arctic prison late last year, facing what many believe to be politically motivated charges. Navalny’s death occurred a month before a presidential election where Putin is expected to secure re-election easily, a process vehemently opposed by Navalny, even from behind bars. The funeral arrangements are still pending, and concerns linger over potential interference from authorities in executing them as per the family’s wishes. Updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.