Hmmm..on second thought, why is this news coming out AFTER he died? If he said he wanted to buried a Muslim shortly before he died on Nov. 23, why didn't they report it then? Why wait till 11 days later on Dec. 4?
Still though, if it's true, I've got no more respect for him.
Because releasing this information earlier would spoil anti-Putin campaign. Now it is OK since general public formed the desired association and is not capable to change it.