Moscow, Russia - Russian police on Saturday detained people who had come to lay flowers for late opposition leader Alexei Navalny at a monument in Moscow for victims of Soviet repression, according to AFP reporters and independent media.

Riot police officers are seen deployed at the monument to the victims of political repressions as people come to it to lay flowers for late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Saint Petersburg on February 17, 2024, one day after the death of Navalny in an Arctic prison. (Photo by Olga MALTSEVA / AFP)

Video footage published by the independent media outlet Sota showed people being taken away by masked police during the silent, peaceful tribute where dozens had gathered.

AFP reporters saw two people being detained and dozens of police surrounding the area, not allowing people to linger near the imposing bronze monument, known as the "Wall of Grief".

Sota said more than 15 people were detained.

Hundreds of flowers and dozens of candles could be seen at the monument and more flowers could be seen left in the snow on nearby pavements.

"Alexei Navalny's death is the worst thing that could happen to Russia," read a note left among the flowers and Navalny photos by the monument.

"We will not forget, we will not forgive. Those responsible will be punished!" the note said.

"You will not kill freedom," read another handwritten note, while a third said: "We will never give up! Russia will be free!.

One note addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "Who's next?"

Western leaders have said Putin should be held responsible for the death of Navalny, his most prominent rival, in an Arctic prison.

The Kremlin on Friday accused the West of "hysterical" and "absolutely unacceptable" statements while an investigation is ongoing but remained silent on Saturday.

Moscow prosecutors issued a warning on Friday against any unsanctioned protests following the death of Navalny, who galvanised mass demonstrations against President Vladimir Putin.

The monument to the victims of political persecution was opened by Putin in 2017.

It features large faceless human figures and the word "Remember" etched in 22 languages.

It is located on Academician Sakharov Avenue, named after the late Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet physicist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate known internationally for his human rights activism.