Despite the threat of arrest, thousands of individuals attended the funeral of Alexei Navalny in Moscow, choosing to express their discontent with President Vladimir Putin and mourn one of the few politicians capable of challenging the Russian leader.

The Kremlin had cautioned Russians against participating in what it referred to as spontaneous memorials for the late opposition leader, who passed away in an Arctic prison camp last month.

However, security forces generally adopted a hands-off approach to the procession of mourners, moving from the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God to the cemetery where Navalny was laid to rest.

Within the crowd, some voices shouted, “No to war,” while others joined in with chants of “Putin is a murderer” and “Free political prisoners.”

Despite the relatively lenient treatment during the funeral, there is lingering concern that those who attended may face repercussions after the upcoming presidential election, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Putin is anticipated to secure an easy victory in the poll, where challengers are rigorously scrutinized.

Analysts suggest that the Kremlin views a strong showing in the election as a means to legitimize Putin’s rule, particularly as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.

Given the impending vote, the analysts argue that the Kremlin couldn’t risk disrupting Navalny’s Orthodox Christian burial.

Written by B.C. Begley