Navalny's funeral in pictures: Mourners gather in Moscow as riot police contain crowds

The funeral of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny drew crowds in Moscow despite heavy police presence and threats of arrests.

Navalny's funeral in pictures: Mourners gather in Moscow as riot police contain crowds

Crowds gathered in Moscow on Friday to observe Alexei Navalny's funeral, with allies of the deceased Russian opposition politician saying over 1,000 people had congregated.

CNBC could not independently verify the number.

Remains of snow clutched to the streets in a grey Moscow, as people lined up outside the church where the memorial service is set to take place. Heavy police presence is expected, as political tensions run high ahead of presidential elections due to take place over March 15-17.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday said that any unsanctioned gatherings in support of Navalny would be against the law, according to a NBC News translation.

Navalny died under unclear circumstances last month while serving a sentence in an arctic prison colony. Reports say the death certificate pointed to "natural causes."

Navalny's family, supporters and Western leaders have said Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for his rival's death, but the Kremlin has denied any involvement.

Here's a look at the memorial as it unfolded.

Crowds gather as preparations for Navalny's funeral are underway

Mourners gather in front of the Mother of God Quench My Sorrows church ahead of a funeral service for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on March 1, 2024.

Andrey Borodulin | Afp | Getty Images

Mourners gather outside the church ahead of a funeral service for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on March 1, 2024.

Alexander Nemenov | Afp | Getty Images

A man carrying a wreath passes through a metal detector security gate at the Borisovo cemetery ahead of the burial of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Olga Maltseva | Afp | Getty Images

Hearse carrying Navalny's body arrives at memorial service

The hearse carrying the coffin of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny arrives to the church for Navalny's funeral service.

Alexander Nemenov | Afp | Getty Images

Pallbearers carry the coffin of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny into the Mother of God Quench My Sorrows church for his funeral service.

Alexander Nemenov | Afp | Getty Images

Pallbearers carry the coffin of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny into the church for his funeral service.

Alexander Nemenov | Afp | Getty Images

Ambassadors from U.S., France pay respects

France's Ambassador to Russia Pierre Levy stands in a queue outside the church during a funeral service for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Stringer | Afp | Getty Images

US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy stands in a queue outside the church during a funeral service for Alexei Navalny.

Stringer | Afp | Getty Images

Navalny's funeral takes place in a church in Moscow

The body of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen during a funeral service at the Mother of God Quench My Sorrows church in Moscow's district of Maryino on March 1, 2024. 

- | Afp | Getty Images

Anatoly Navalny and Lyudmila Navalnaya sit by the body of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny during the funeral service.

- | Afp | Getty Images

Navalny is laid to rest in a cemetery in Moscow

Funeral ceremony for Alexei Navalny at the Borisovo cemetery in Moscow's district of Maryino on March 1, 2024.

Olga Maltseva | Afp | Getty Images

Lyudmila Navalnaya (2nd R) and Anatoly Navalny (R), parents of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, attends a funeral ceremony for their son at the Borisovo cemetery in Moscow's district of Maryino on March 1, 2024. 

Olga Maltseva | AFP | Getty Images

Memorials for Navalny have been set up in cities around the world

A woman lights a candle at a makeshift memorial of flowers and candles for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in front of the Russian embassy in Berlin on March 1, 2024, the day of Navalny's funeral in Russia.

Tobias Schwarz | Afp | Getty Images

Flowers, candles, banners and photo portraits of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny are placed from protesters and mourners as a memorial at the National Monument in Dam Square in Amsterdam.

Nicolas Economou | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Flowers are seen placed beside photographs and placards opposite the Russian Embassy on the day of the funeral of Alexei Navalny.

Henry Nicholls | Afp | Getty Images