Alexei Navalny’s body handed over to mother as widow sees blood on Putin’s hands

The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been transferred to his mother, Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, announced on his Telegram account.

Expressing gratitude to those who supported the return of Navalny’s body, Zhdanov announced the surrender.

Earlier in the day, Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s widow, accused President Vladimir Putin of trying to force his mother to agree to a clandestine funeral after Navalny died in a penal colony.

In a video released, Navalnaya claimed that Putin was mocking Christianity with this attempt.

Navalny’s mother, who wants her son’s body returned, is reportedly facing pressure from authorities, who have hinted at the possibility of Navalny being buried in the Arctic prison.

Navalny claimed that the authorities expressed a sense of urgency because of the body’s alleged decomposition, accusing them of literal torture.

“Give us my husband’s body,” Navalnaya pleaded. “You tortured him alive and now you continue to torture him dead. You mock the remains of the dead.”

The unexpected death of Navalny, Russia’s leading opposition figure, on February 16 in the penal colony sparked spontaneous memorials across the country with flowers and candles.

Authorities have arrested several people to suppress any significant display of sympathy for Putin’s main political rival in the run-up to the upcoming presidential election.

Social media users have speculated that officials are reluctant to return Navalny’s body, fearing public outpourings of support.

In a scathing accusation, Navalny said Navalny’s blood is on the hands of Putin, an Orthodox Christian. The situation remains tense as Russia grapples with the aftermath of Navalny’s death and the political fallout surrounding him.