Another video from #Ufa, #Bashkortostan republic, #Russiawhere some 1,000 people joined a #protest rally in support of imprisoned activist Fail Alsynov; police are reportedly detaining 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 on charges of “racist remarks”. More than 3,000 people gathered outside the courthouse in Baymak to support the activist; the security forces used tear gas and stun grenades against the protesters, beat the protesters with sticks. About 20 protesters sought medical attention.
It was one of the largest demonstrations in Russia since Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine two years ago.
Foto: Reuters/Stringer
Detention of protesters continued on Friday. RFE/RL says the detainees include a woman holding a poster with a quote from Alsinov’s speech, as well as a man with a Bashkortostan flag.
The representatives of the Russian security structures, however, claim that formally no one has been detained, they have only “escorted” several people away from the square.
Foto: Reuters/Stringer
The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated criminal proceedings for organizing and participating in mass riots, as well as for using force against representatives of state bodies. Nine protesters were ordered to be detained for eight to 15 days for disobeying the police.
2024-01-19 11:41:00
#Photo #video #Protests #continue #Bashkortostan #arrests
