The funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny took place in Moscow on Friday, with hundreds of mourners gathering despite heightened political tensions and fears of arrests.
Barriers were erected around the church where the memorial service with an open casket began around 2 p.m. local time. The coffin was then taken to the nearly Borisovskoye cemetery across the Moskva River, where the burial service began shortly before 4 p.m.
Crowds chanted: "You were not afraid, and we are not afraid," outside the church, according to BBC reporting. People were also seen crying, throwing roses, and thanking Navalny's mother Lyudmila, who attended the service. No clashes or arrests have been reported in Moscow.
The cause of Navalny's death in an Arctic penal colony on Feb. 16 remains unexplained, but reports say his death certificate states "natural causes." The longtime critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin was serving a 19-year jail term on charges of extremism.
Navalny's supporters, his widow Yulia Navalnaya, and world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden have accused Putin of being "responsible" for his death. The Kremlin denies involvement and has slammed any suggestion of it.
Memorials have been scheduled for Friday evening in towns and cities around Russia, as well as abroad. The Kremlin has warned unsanctioned gatherings in support of Navalny would be illegal.