* Riot police clashed with anti-Putin protesters as thousands gathered across 11 timezones in the country
* Demonstrators are calling for the release of Alexei Navalny whose trial is set to take place on Tuesday
* He is being held over breaching parole while he was recovering from his Novichok poisoning in Germany
* So far, 4,400 people have been detained, including Navalny's wife Yulia Navalnaya who broke house arrest
* Police used tear gas on people chanting anti-Putin songs in scenes of unrest not seen before in his presidency
* Authorities had threatened demonstrators with hefty jail terms but thousands still took to the streets
* US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the 'harsh tactics' used by Russian police
More than 4,400 anti-Putin protesters, including the wife of Alexei Navalny have been arrested today as violence broke out across Russia between riot police and activists demanding the release of the jailed Kremlin critic.
From Vladivostok in the Far East to Saint Petersburg on the Baltic Sea, thousands of police in riot gear were deployed to prevent a second weekend of mass demonstrations over the arrest of President Vladimir Putin's most prominent opponent.
The authorities mounted a massive effort to stem the tide of demonstrations after tens of thousands of people rallied across the country the previous weekend in the largest and most widespread show of discontent the country has seen in years.
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WNU Editor: From what I understand and from what I am hearing. Protests occurred in every major Russian city today. And this 5,100 arrest total is on the low side. I know the law firm that my family's business use in Moscow are going to be working all week defending some of the protesters were arrested today, and they told my cousin that just in Moscow today, there were over 4,000 arrests (and counting).
As to what is the thinking in the Kremlin right now. My guess is that they are not too worried. Most of the people involved in today's protests were young (under 30). The parents of those who were arrested today were not on the streets (which would really freak out the Kremlin if they did show up). And more importantly. Putin's base (the church, seniors, business community, government employees, the rural community) are still supporting him.
More News On Today's Massive Protests Across Russia
Russia: More than 5,000 arrested as Alexei Navalny supporters defy protest ban, says monitor -- DW
More than 5,100 Russians detained in pro-Navalny rallies -- The Hill
Russia arrests more than 5,000 protesters during rallies calling for Alexei Navalny's release -- ABC News (Australia)
2 comments:
When does this age demographic become a legitimate threat to the Kremlin? 5, 10, 20 years from now?? It seems that these protests have been expanding every few years and making more and more of a statement.
These protestors won't forget what happened to them when they were young and if they one-day hold power, they may not be so forgiving.
Of course the Kremlin would be planning for when that period of time occurs and I'm sure are well calculated for it.
WNU editor what is your view on this?
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