Russian authorities have given Alexei Navalny’s body back to his mother over a week after the Russian opposition leader’s death in an Arctic penal colony, according to Navalny’s spokesperson.
Spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that a funeral is to come and that they don’t know if authorities will interfere with the funeral plans in “the way the family wants and as Alexey deserves.” She did not mention if the family will hold a public funeral.
Navalny’s body was taken to the city of Salekhard, located on the Arctic Circle, after he died in a nearby penal colony on Feb. 16, according to Russian officials. His supporters have accused Russian officials of murdering the vocal critical of President Vladimir Putin.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
