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Mourners in Moscow gather to pay their respects at Navalny’s funeral
Mourners in Moscow gathered for the funeral of Aleksei A. Navalny, Russia’s prominent opposition figure, who tragically passed away in a remote Arctic penal colony. The funeral services were a somber occasion, with long lines of people, some holding flowers, waiting to pay their respects to Navalny.
Despite the emotional atmosphere, there were challenges in organizing the funeral amidst pressure from Russian authorities who had arrested hundreds of mourners at memorial sites following Navalny’s death. The services were held at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows in Moscow, with heavy police presence surrounding the area.
Navalny’s family faced difficulties in obtaining his body from a Moscow morgue but eventually received it just before the services. Planning for the funeral was met with obstacles, as the authorities sought to prevent it from becoming a focal point for dissent.
Despite the challenges, Ivan Zhdanov, one of Navalny’s closest associates, assured mourners that they could pay their respects without fear of arrest. The weeks leading up to the funeral were marked by negotiations to have Navalny’s body released and agreements on the funeral venue.
Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, held the Kremlin and Moscow’s mayor responsible for the difficulties surrounding the funeral arrangements. The tension surrounding the funeral was further intensified by conflicting reports on the cause of Navalny’s death, which his family, supporters, and human rights watchdogs dispute.
The funeral took place against a backdrop of political turmoil in Russia, as President Vladimir Putin faces criticism and global scrutiny. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny’s death, while Putin continues to assert Russia’s sovereignty in the face of Western opposition.
The funeral also occurred amidst a wave of crackdowns on dissent, with hundreds of individuals detained for mourning Navalny and expressing their grievances against the government. The heavy police presence and surveillance at the funeral raised concerns about potential repercussions for attendees.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding Navalny’s funeral, mourners gathered to honor his memory and legacy as a prominent voice for opposition in Russia.
News
Facing Criticism for Shooting Dog, South Dakota Governor Noem Discusses ‘Difficult Choices’
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem found herself in hot water recently after admitting to shooting her “untrainable” hunting dog. The controversial incident sparked public outrage, but it did not stop her from attending a gathering of California Republicans, where she received a warm reception on Saturday.
Noem, known for her stance on gun rights and conservative leadership, addressed more than 200 people at the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame. She emphasized the importance of patriotism and preserving American values amidst challenging times.
Although she did not directly reference the dog-shooting incident in her speech, she alluded to the controversy surrounding her decision to euthanize her dog named Cricket due to its poor hunting skills and an unfortunate incident involving farm chickens.
Attendees at the luncheon received a copy of Noem’s book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong With Politics and How We Move America Forward,” which she promoted during her remarks. Despite the backlash, she remained firm in her convictions.
Noem’s focus shifted to her leadership in South Dakota, particularly her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her decision to deploy the state’s National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. She raised concerns about drug cartels exploiting Native American tribal lands in her state and criticized the federal government for its inaction.
Despite the controversy surrounding her, Noem commended former President Trump for his authenticity and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. She highlighted Trump’s unconventional approach to politics as a sign of his genuine character.
State Republican Party delegate Anna Bryson expressed admiration for Noem’s financial policies and tax reduction efforts. She acknowledged the dog-shooting incident but credited Noem for her commitment to sound fiscal management.
The convention, attended by over 800 delegates and guests, marked a significant gathering for California Republicans. Despite past protests during Trump’s appearance in Burlingame in 2016, the event with Noem proceeded smoothly with no major disruptions.
Noem’s resilience amidst adversity and her unwavering commitment to her principles garnered both admiration and scrutiny at the California Republican Party convention.
Times staff writer Anabel Sosa contributed to this report.
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Facing Criticism for Shooting Dog, South Dakota Governor Noem Discusses ‘Difficult Choices’