Images from the Navajo funeral ceremony are taking part in thousands of people

The funeral ceremony of the Russian opposition leader Alexey Navy is being held at a church in Mariyno, Moscow, two weeks after his death at the age of 47, at a prison colony in the Arctic.

Thousands of Russian citizens lined up on the road as the body of the Russian opposition leader and outside the church was transported, saying farewell to the Navajo with tears in its eyes, throwing flowers and rhythmically shouting his name.

Police forces have set up metal barricades around the church and are patrolling with weapons.

All international media had opened a live broadcast from the site, but it was interrupted.

Navalny will be buried at Borisovskoye's cemetery, located on the other side of the Moskhova River in the south.

The whole road between the church and the cemetery is blocked with barricades by police.

Hundreds of police officers have been placed on the roof, as Russian authorities fear the funeral could turn into a major antigovernmental demonstration.

Navalny's allies have said the ceremony will be open to the public, despite pressure from authorities for a private funeral.

His associates had earlier claimed that they could not find cars to take the body to church.