Efforts to organize the funeral for Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny have been met with challenges as his team encounters difficulties in securing essential services. The team has reported facing obstacles in hiring a hearse to transport Navalny's body, with drivers allegedly being threatened by unknown individuals not to provide their services. Additionally, venues for the funeral have proven hard to secure, as many establishments claimed to be busy or refused bookings upon learning of Navalny's association. Despite the initial plan for a public farewell and funeral on Thursday, the lack of available cemetery workers to dig a grave has resulted in the funeral being rescheduled to 2 p.m. local time Friday at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in Moscow's Maryino district.

Navalny passed away on February 16 while serving a prison sentence in Siberia, where he was reportedly feeling unwell after a walk and lost consciousness. His death has sparked global mourning and calls for justice. His wife, Yulia Navalnaya, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being responsible for her husband's death, citing alleged mistreatment during his imprisonment.

The funeral service is scheduled to take place on Friday, where concerns have been raised about potential police crackdowns on attendees. Over 400 people have been detained at impromptu memorials in various Russian cities, highlighting the tensions surrounding Navalny's passing. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny's death, while his family continues to seek justice amidst the difficult circumstances surrounding his funeral arrangements.