Moscow arrests Navalny funeral attendees using facial recognition

Russian security forces are likely to have used facial recognition to arrest protestors at the funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, according to a local human rights group.

OVID-Info reported that several people were detained at Navalny's funeral, including a woman captured on video saying 'Glory to the heroes,' the traditional response to the salute 'Glory to Ukraine.' She was charged with 'displaying a banned symbol' and handed a small fine, but was allowed to return home the next day. Other people were detained for unclear reasons.

OVD-Info spokesman Dmitry Anisimov told Russian independent news outlet Agenstvo that the Russian government had installed new surveillance cameras around the church and cemetary, and that Russian police were able to identify and trace individuals from the funeral 'right up to their door.'

The incident raised concerns about the use of AI-powered surveillance to deter and punish human and civil rights activism by limiting the freedom of speech and assembly in Russia.