The remains of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who tragically passed away while in custody on February 16, were transferred to his mother on Saturday in Salekhard, an Arctic city, according to his spokesperson. Despite this development, there remains uncertainty regarding the next steps concerning Navalny's body.
Navalny's family and supporters have leveled accusations against Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging his involvement in Navalny's demise, although these allegations have been vehemently refuted by the Kremlin.
Navalny endured a poisoning attempt in 2020 and faced severe conditions during his time in prison, including extended periods of solitary confinement.
A statement released by Navalny's team on X stated that his death certificate attributes the cause of death to natural causes.
In a pre-recorded video preceding the handover of the body, Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, criticized Putin, describing him as "demonic" and accusing him of "torturing" the body of a political adversary.
Navalny's associates have urged supporters to remain vigilant, with his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, expressing uncertainty about whether Russian authorities would permit the family to hold a funeral in accordance with their wishes and Navalny's legacy.
The Group of Seven (G7) major democracies, in a statement expressing solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky on the second anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine, called on Russia to provide full clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding Navalny's death and to release "all unjustly detained prisoners".
Navalnaya, in a video published on YouTube lasting six minutes, pledged to continue the struggle against Putin's regime, questioned the president's religious convictions, and accused him of holding her husband's remains "hostage".
On Friday, Navalny's mother, Lyudmila, revealed that Russian investigators were refusing to release his body from a morgue in Salekhard unless she agreed to a private funeral without public ceremonies, citing concerns about the body's decomposition.
Navalny's aides disclosed on Saturday that authorities had threatened to inter him in the remote prison colony where he died unless his family acquiesced to their demands.
Since assuming the Russian presidency in 2012, Putin has portrayed himself as a champion of traditional values, contrasting them with what he perceives as the erosion of Western liberalism.
He has emphasized his close ties with Russia's Orthodox Church, frequently attending religious services during festivals, and speaking openly about his personal faith.
Navalnaya asserted that her husband was a devout Christian who actively participated in religious practices, including attending church services and observing Lent, even during his imprisonment.
She maintained that his political activism was underpinned by Christian principles.
