Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, has accused President Vladimir Putin of mocking Orthodox Christian values as she demands the release of her husband’s body for burial. Navalny died in a remote penal colony while serving a prison sentence, and the authorities claimed he died of natural causes. However, they have refused to hand over his remains to his family, pressuring them to agree to a secret burial without mourners. Navalnaya criticized Putin for his handling of the situation, questioning his Christian faith and accusing him of mocking her husband’s corpse.
The Russian leader, known for promoting traditional values and attending religious ceremonies, has faced criticism and allegations of involvement in Navalny’s death. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has denied such claims, calling them unfounded. Russian musician Nadya Tolokonnikova, a member of the band Pussy Riot, also accused Putin of hypocrisy and urged him to return Navalny’s body to his family.
Critics believe that the Russian authorities are trying to prevent a public funeral for Navalny, fearing it could turn into a large-scale show of support for the opposition leader. Despite limited media coverage of Navalny’s death in Russia, protests have erupted across the country, with hundreds of people arrested by police. The situation has drawn international attention, with calls for Putin to release Navalny’s remains to his family and accusations of disrespect towards the deceased.
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