Support groups are planning to hold a funeral for Russian opposition leader Navalny, who died in prison, at a church in Moscow on the night of March 1, Japan time.
Authorities have tightened security around the church, and Putin's government appears to be increasing its vigilance to prevent anti-regime movements from spreading as a result of the funeral.
Navalny, an opposition leader who continued to criticize the Putin regime, was announced to have died in a prison in Russia's Arctic Circle on February 16, and his body was later handed over to his mother.
Navalny's support group said on March 1st that his funeral would be held at a church south of Moscow from 8pm Japan time, and that his body would be buried in a nearby cemetery afterwards. .
However, a spokesperson for the aid group said on February 29th that the funeral service provider told them that the hearse carrying Mr Navalny's body could not be found, and complained that they were being interfered with.
Videos posted on social media by support groups show people starting to gather around the church to pay their respects, and security has been strengthened in the surrounding area with police patrolling and fences being erected.
It has been pointed out that the Putin administration may have been involved in Navalny's death, and calls for an investigation into the truth have been growing, with memorial movements and demonstrations against the administration occurring across Russia.
Support groups are planning to livestream the funeral on social media, and the Putin administration appears to be increasing its vigilance against the spread of anti-regime movements in the wake of the funeral.