The team of Russian Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny, who died in custody, called on people to attend the opposition figure's memorial service and funeral in Moscow tomorrow, despite the expected police presence.
A memorial service is planned first, followed by a funeral at the Borisov cemetery, according to Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysch. Everyone for whom Navalny's political work meant something should come.
Fear of prison
Navalny's team wants to report live online about the memorial service in the southeastern district of Marjino as well as the funeral and has recommended that guests arrive early. A large security presence is expected – and there are fears that uniformed officers could block access to Navalny's supporters. Widow Julija Navalnaya also announced the call to attend the funeral.
There are also fears that this time the Russian power apparatus may take harsh measures against Navalny's supporters. In recent weeks, hundreds of people have been arrested across Russia who wanted to lay flowers at monuments to the well-known opposition politician.
Austria represented by the ambassador
Austria will be represented by Ambassador Werner Almhofer, as informed by Itamaraty to APA. Green Party foreign policy spokeswoman Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic, who wanted to travel to Moscow for the funeral, was not granted a visa.
She wants to take part in a funeral ceremony in front of the Russian embassy in Vienna. Amnesty Austria is also holding a vigil at Human Rights Square in the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna.