ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — A private burial was held for Yevgeny Prigozhin, ending a tumultuous journey from St. Petersburg street thug to Kremlin-financed mercenary leader, following a suspicious plane crash two months after his brief mutiny that challenged the authority of President Vladimir Putin. Russian media cited unidentified sources as saying Prigozhin was laid to rest Tuesday without any publicity, per his family's wishes. Just before the crash, Prigozhin had reportedly returned from a trip to Africa, where he sought to expand Wagner Group’s activities. The crash came exactly two months after the brutal and profane mercenary boss launched a rebellion against the Russian military leadership. Putin said Wagner fighters could sign a contract with the Russian military, move to Belarus or retire from service.

Source: Libya Today August 29, 2023 16:08 UTC