Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has made a heartfelt plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to “immediately” release the body of her son.
This comes in the wake of Navalny’s death in an Arctic prison, with his team alleging foul play.
In her first public comments since her son’s passing, Lyudmila Navalnaya appealed directly to Putin, emphasizing that the resolution of the matter lies solely with him.
Dressed in mourning attire, she implored Putin to allow her to see her son’s body and to release it promptly for a humane burial.
Lyudmila Navalnaya’s emotional plea was accompanied by the stark backdrop of the IK-3 penal colony, where Navalny spent his final weeks.
Despite her efforts to access his body, she has been barred from doing so and has been left in the dark regarding its whereabouts.
Navalny’s allies have decried the authorities’ obstruction, highlighting that Navalnaya has been denied access to morgues and informed that his body could be withheld for an extended period.
In a written letter addressed to Putin, Navalnaya reiterated her demand for the prompt release of her son’s body.
However, the Kremlin has remained tight-lipped about when Navalny’s body will be handed over, and Putin has yet to address the death of his prominent political opponent.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, dismissed accusations against Putin as “unfounded and vulgar,” sparking a defiant response from Navalnaya.
In a strong retort on social media, Navalnaya condemned Peskov’s remarks and urged for the dignified burial of her husband.
She called for the return of Navalny’s body to allow loved ones to bid farewell properly, underscoring the urgency and emotional weight of the situation.
