Protests across Russia as demonstrators call for the freedom of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, facing off with riot police in major cities.
Tens of thousands of Russians took to the streets in rallies across the country, calling for the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who has been jailed under harsh conditions. Despite the protests being unsanctioned and police vowing to break up gatherings, demonstrators gathered in major cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg, demanding “freedom for political prisoners.”
Navalny’s core supporters, determined to make their voices heard, clashed with riot police in helmets and body armor. While the protests did not reach the 500,000 people that Navalny’s team had hoped for, the turnout was significant, with crowds of up to 10,000 in Moscow and other cities. The show of solidarity comes as Navalny’s political movement faces increasing pressure, with the Kremlin planning to label it an extremist group.
The protests signal growing frustration with the Russian government’s treatment of its political opposition and set the stage for even more confrontation, as Navalny’s supporters prepare for the challenges ahead.
