Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's widow, accused Putin of trying to force her mother to agree to a clandestine funeral.
The body of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been transferred to his mother, Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, announced on his Telegram account.
Zhdanov expressed gratitude to those who advocated for the return of Navalny's body and announced the handover.
That same day, Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's widow, accused President Vladimir Putin of trying to force her mother to accept a clandestine funeral after Navalny's death in a penal colony.
In a video released, Navalnaya claimed that Putin was mocking Christianity with this attempt.
Navalny's mother, who wants her son's body returned, is reportedly facing pressure from authorities, who have hinted at the possibility of burying Navalny in the Arctic prison.
Navalnaya claimed authorities conveyed a sense of urgency over the body's alleged decomposition, accusing them of literal torture.
“Give us my husband's body,” Navalnaya pleaded. “You tortured him alive and now you continue to torture him dead. You mock the remains of the dead.”
The unexpected death of Navalny, the prominent Russian opposition figure, on February 16 in the penal colony, sparked spontaneous tributes across the country with flowers and candles.
Authorities have detained numerous people to suppress any significant show of sympathy for Putin's main political rival ahead of the impending presidential election.
Social media users speculate that officials are hesitant to return Navalny's body, fearing public demonstrations of support.
In a stirring accusation, Navalnaya said Navalny's blood is on the hands of Putin, an Orthodox Christian. The situation remains tense as Russia grapples with the fallout from Navalny's death and the political implications surrounding it.
