The World Briefly
March 04, 2024‘I Know Now Why You Cry …’
Russia
|
Listen to Today's Edition
 |
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was laid to rest in Moscow over the weekend, as thousands of people attended the funeral of the prominent Kremlin critic despite a heavy police presence and fears of a potential crackdown by authorities, NBC News reported.
Navalny’s body was first delivered to a church in southern Moscow for a brief funeral and then to a nearby cemetery. Many attendees carried flowers, placards and candles, as well as chanted the opposition leader’s name.
Others uttered riskier words of dissent, such as “Russia without Putin” and condemning President Vladimir Putin for Navalny’s death. Some also denounced the ongoing war in Ukraine, which Navalny also opposed.
The theme music of the 1991 movie “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” played in the background as pallbearers lowered the casket carrying the Kremlin critic. The choice of music was a nod to his admiration for the film’s themes of resistance against powerful opponents.
Meanwhile, the procession took place with a considerable police presence. Opposition media suggested at least two people were reportedly detained during the event.
The funeral came two weeks after Navalny died on Feb. 16 while serving a prison sentence at an Arctic penal colony. The cause of his death is still unclear, while the Kremlin has denied any involvement.
Shortly after his death, supporters and mourners held makeshift memorials in honor of the opposition leader, prompting authorities to arrest more than 400 people across the country.
International attention was drawn to the event, with diplomats, including the US ambassador to Russia, in attendance.
Observers noted that Navalny’s death and the government’s efforts to prevent a public funeral showed “an absolute panic on Putin’s side.”
But despite the show of resistance, Putin is expected to win by a landslide in Russia’s upcoming presidential elections in mid-March.
First elected in 2000, Putin has already been in power longer than any predecessor since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Not already a subscriber?
If you would like to receive DailyChatter directly to your inbox each morning, subscribe below with a free two-week trial.
Support journalism that’s independent, non-partisan, and fair.
If you are a student or faculty with a valid school email, you can sign up for a FREE student subscription or faculty subscription.
Questions? Write to us at hello@dailychatter.com.