“The funeral is still pending,” Yarmysh said. “We don’t know if the authorities will interfere to carry it out as the family wants and as Alexei deserves,” he added.

Several countries, including France, have called for an independent investigation into Navalny’s death.

Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s widow, has vowed to continue her husband’s fight against Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

By Sam