US envoy visits Navalny shrine amid heavy police curbs

NEW DELHI: US Ambassador Lynne Tracy paid a visit to a makeshift shrine dedicated to Alexei Navalny in Moscow on Sunday, defying the Russian authorities' attempts to suppress memorials and tributes to the late opposition leader.

Despite police detaining over 400 people at gatherings for Navalny, Tracy was photographed at the Solovetsky Stone, a monument symbolizing political repression that has now become a significant site for paying homage to Navalny.

The US embassy in Moscow expressed their condolences, stating, "Today at the Solovetsky Stone we mourn the death of Alexei Navalny and other victims of political repression in Russia. We extend our deepest condolences to Alexei Navalny's family, colleagues, and supporters. His strength is an inspiring example. We honor his memory."

Meanwhile, at another makeshift memorial called the "Wall of Grief," which commemorates Soviet-era repression, the police erected fences in an effort to discourage mourners.

However, some people managed to enter through the fence and lay flowers. Navalny, 47, was considered by many Russians as their beacon of hope for change in the face of perceived corruption and escalating state oppression.

His demise after spending over three years behind bars has sparked international condemnation and left his young supporters devastated.

Leonid Volkov, a top ally of Navalny, wrote on Telegram, "It was not a death, it was murder. His life's work must win out."

(with input from agency)