In pictures: Raman Bandarenka’s funeral in Minsk draws thousands of mourners

Thousands of people gathered outside a church in Minsk on Friday to say an emotional final goodbye to Raman Bandarenka, a 31-year-old opposition supporter who died on November 12 following what appeared to be a politically motivated attack.

A huge crowd packed the area around the Resurrection of Christ Church on the northern outskirts of the Belarusian capital, which hosted a memorial service for Mr. Bandarenka between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Only a small share of the mourners managed to enter the church to attend the ceremony and view Mr. Bandarenka’s body. As the casket was carried out of the church, the crowd started chanting “Long live Belarus!,” “We will not forget, will not forgive,” “Roma, you are a hero,” “Murderers rule the country,” and “I’m going out,” a reference to Mr. Bandarenka’s last text message.

Applause rang out at the scene as the hearse carrying the casket headed for a cemetery outside Minsk.

There was no visible police presence at the site during the ceremony.