Donetsk, Oct 19 – DAN. The funeral procession began to move through the center of Donetsk to commemorate DPR fallen Hero Arsen Pavlov, best known under his nom de guerre Motorola.
DAN correspondent estimates around 10 thousand people gathered today to pay last tribute to the hero filling the central square and adjoining streets, with even more arriving.
The coffin was moved from Donbass Opera premises as public chanted "May the Hero memory last forever", and carried along the central Artem street with orchestra playing.
The city center from 25-anniversary RKKA street to Bogdan Khmelnitsky prospect is closed for traffic, as thousands are following the hearse with flowers and wreaths.
Earlier today the body of the assassinated Colonel was laid in state at Donbass Opera premises. All security forces of DPR observe the situation.
The funeral rites are to be carried out later in the day.
Arseniy Pavlov was killed on October, 16th in the blast of an explosive device planted in the hallway of the block of flats in central Donetsk where he lived. Investigation is led by the DPR Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of State Security. A three day mourning was announced on October, 17th.