1705763152
Another video from #Ufa, #Bashkortostan Republic, #Russiawhere around 1,000 people joined #Protest Rally in support of imprisoned activist Fail Alsynov; Police are reportedly arresting protesters.
— Alex Kokcharov (@AlexKokcharov) January 19, 2024
Protests in Bashkortostan began this week when local environmental activist Fail Alsinov was sentenced to four years in prison for “racist remarks.” More than 3,000 people gathered outside the Baymak courthouse to support the activist; The security forces used tear gas and stun grenades against the demonstrators and beat the demonstrators with sticks. About 20 protesters sought medical help.
It was one of the largest demonstrations in Russia since Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago.
Photo: Reuters/Stringer
The detention of protesters continued on Friday. According to RFE/RL, those arrested include a woman holding a poster with a quote from Alsinov’s speech and a man holding a Bashkortostan flag.
However, representatives of the Russian security authorities claim that no one was officially arrested; they simply “escorted” several people from the square.
Photo: Reuters/Stringer
The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case for organizing and participating in mass riots and using violence against representatives of state authorities. Nine protesters were detained for eight to 15 days for disobeying police.
#PHOTO #VIDEO #Protests #continue #Bashkortostan #arrests #occur