Dozens of Russian citizens gathered this Friday at the Russian embassy in Lisbon to honor the memory of Alexei Navalny, a late Kremlin opponent whose funeral took place in Moscow this afternoon.
On the day of Navalny’s funeral, the Free Russians association called for a gathering at 18:00, but a few minutes before, Peter and his companion were already there, silently, bringing a bouquet of multi-colored tulips in honor of the Kremlin opponent.
“It was difficult” to watch footage of the activist’s funeral, the young Russian, who arrived in Portugal less than a year ago “because of the war” and plans to stay in the country, admitted to Lusa.
According to him, even those who do not agree with everything Navalny says cannot help but recognize his importance in the fight against the regime imposed by Vladimir Putin.
A few meters from the embassy building, flowers and photographs of Navalny hang on a tree with spreading branches, at the foot of which bouquets of flowers are constantly placed and candles and lamps are lit.
Another young woman present at today’s meeting, Katarina, stressed that Navalny is an “important figure” who inspires and “politicizes” the younger generation.
“Symbol” and “inspiration,” sums up the young woman for whom Navalny has already changed the situation.
Navalny was buried this Friday at the Borissov Cemetery in Moscow, surrounded by family and friends, and thousands of people gathered around the church.
This Friday, Russian police detained at least 45 people at demonstrations in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, reports the specialized non-governmental organization OVD-Info.
According to independent media and a human rights group working to combat repression in Russia, most of the arrests took place not in the capital, but in other cities.
Posters against Putin, posters with words in Navalny’s honor and an open microphone for anyone who wants to speak are other ways Russian citizens express their opinions on a day of mourning.
A vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime and a charismatic anti-corruption advocate, Navalny died at the age of 47 under circumstances that are still unclear.
The prison service said he suddenly collapsed after a walk in the Arctic prison where he was serving a 19-year sentence for extremism, and the death certificate mentions a natural cause.
His supporters, his widow Yulia Navalnaya and many Western leaders blame Putin for Navalny’s death.
The Russian presidency has rejected these accusations.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.