Thousands of Russians defy Putin with protest chants at Navalny’s funeral | BBC News

Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Moscow, defying a heavy police presence and possible arrest, to pay their last respects to Russia's main opposition leader, Alexei Navalny.  

The crowds chanted his name as his funeral service was held, two weeks after he died in prison.   They also chanted anti-government slogans and protests against the war in Ukraine.

Alexei Navalny's mother was among the mourners allowed into the cemetery to see him buried. His widow decided not to travel to Russia where she could face arrest.  

Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Steve Rosenberg in Moscow.

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[sunny_nuth]

They didn’t mention it in this video but the people were also chanting: “Putin is a murder”, “No to war”, “Ukrainians are good people” (maybe something else but these ones I remembered the best). When somebody blames Russians for being scared: you can’t imagine how it feels to be there. In Moscow, the level of support for Putin has always been relatively low, so this people you see is a small share of those who were afraid to come but would love to.. Also a large share of younger educated people from Moscow has left Russia, not just recently. It’s been a gradual process for the last 20 years. For me, this is impressive and inspiring how many people found courage to come despite everything.

[catalinacurio]

May they grow in number and stay courageous! 👏👏👏

[e.d.]

he didn't DIE in prison. he was executed.

[patsyadams]

God bless these people, they are very brave

[agffans]

The Ambassador of Denmark to Russia was there among the people at the funeral, not only to show support, but also by letting them know he was there but not where he was, to prevent the Russian authorities to randomly attack and arrest the participants. Because obviously, if they by mistake were to beat up and arrest the Danish Ambassador, it would be a huge scandal.

[kimiohuynh]

The courage of the mourners of Alexey Navalny is admirable. He would be proud of his achievements and R.I.P.🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏

[MariaMartinez-researcher]

За вашу и нашу свободу.
"For our freedom and yours."

[johngreenhorn]

You can't blame his wife for not travelling to Russia, she would be dead by the morning.

[edmundcasey]

A MARTYR, A HERO. . A MILLIION THANX ALEKSEI. . . . " I DONT KNOW HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU". . .YULIA STAY STRONG

[ntraha]

Brave russian people. Condolences to Navalny family .

[kumaran]

I thought he will rule russia very hard to see navalny funeral.

[Voulezvouscouchezavecmoi]

I’m at awe at the bravery of these Russians and I wonder if I have it in me to be this brave!

[MrReturn]

Wow....Respect all the People for a democratic Russia 💞❣

[susansmith]

😮...attendance at Alexei's funeral tells me how popular he still is. Crowds may have been much larger if not for the repressive regime.
So sad for Alexei's mother Lyudmila Navalnaya and father Anatoly Navalny. Her son is gone and their son Oleg, has a warrant for his arrest and lives abroad.
Their grandchildren and daughter in law can't attend for fear of arrest.
The harassment continues.
Alexei Navalny⚘
Да упокоится душа его с миром ⚘
May his soul rest in peace ⚘

[jimbogan]

Very much touched by brave Russian people. ❤

[robbiewotherspoon]

Condolences to family and friends ! Salute !

[michallee]

The courage of these Russian people is amazing. Let them inspire us. Most of the politicians in USA and other No Courage. Thank you Russian people....sending you love and prayers....Well Done....the World needs to see and feel your Courage

[NaturesGarlands]

Россияне, вы были такими храбрыми. Навальный будет вами гордиться.

[lucionemesis]

I feel so sorry for the Russian people. I hope to see this big country find its way to a peaceful and bright future.

[t.wee]

the voices of freedom will never die... RIP🙏🕯🕯🕯