Protest in Russia: “As the people of the country we love and want to be better. We have to protest “- BBC Thai
Philip Kuznetsov had to spend the night squeezing with 17 other protesters in a police car because the detention facilities in Moscow were full.
He is one of 4,002,000 protesters arrested in Russia in the past week during a massive protest demanding the release of opposition leader Alexenavalni, and yesterday (30 Jan) had some. The people gathered again.
The court sentenced Philip to 10 days for attending the protest. But it took up to two days for the authorities to find a prison in the city to hold him.
Philip, a small business owner, said he was not a sponsor or a follower of Navalny, but he was punished for doing nothing. That means the next person to be hit could be anyone. Including me “
Last Saturday There are few protesters that the BBC spoke to discussing the poisoning of Mr Nawalni. But everyone was shocked that Navalni’s flight was suddenly redirected so that authorities could detain him as soon as he arrived in Russia.
One poll said: Up to 42% of protesters in Moscow protested for the first time in their lives. The protests were more widespread than ever, taking place in cities where people were previously less politically active.
Leader of the opposition
Navalni was an opposition activist investigating the corruption of high-ranking officials that the Russians turned so much attention. His YouTube channel has been viewed a billion times already.
He branded the main political forces of Russia. (Putin’s United Russia Party) is a “party of crooks and thieves” and over the years he has released a number of clips accusing him of misconduct by senior officials.
In August 2020, Navalni was poisoned and narrowly survived. While traveling in Siberia To film a clip to verify the work of the government And helped campaign for opposition candidates in local elections.
He was taken to Germany for treatment, where he was found poisoned with a Russian-made Novichock toxin.
Despite being warned that The return trip to Russia was unsafe. But Navalny insisted not to be a political refugee and traveled back from Berlin to Moscow. He was detained at the airport and will continue to be detained.
Despite being detained by the police But Navalni moved even more. His team has published details of the location audit they call. “Putin’s Palace” (Putin’s Palace) luxury house that has been alleged. Many of Putin’s close friends made him gifts. This clip has become their most watched clip to date.
At the city of Vladivostok East of the country Navalni’s team said there had been no protest as large as it had on Saturday for more than a decade.
Katerina Ostapenco, one of Navalny’s coordination team She did not participate in the protest herself because she was arrested by the police. She said as many as 3,000 people had protested. Partly because they saw the clip The “Putin’s palace”, which the protesters accuse the Russian leadership of, own. But later Putin refused.
They were angry because they had no money. And look how much Putin money And also the tax money from us for building his palace. “
Political scientist Ekaterina Shulman said Putin’s popularity rating continued to drop after winning re-election two years ago. As a result of the continually deteriorating economy And the feeling of anger and exhaustion of people who have to face the whole year of lockdown measures
After arresting thousands of protesters Now, the official also goes on to manage his closest people. Whether it’s a brother, a lawyer and a doctor of Navalny
A government spokesman said The handling of protesters has no political motivation. By telling reporters that law enforcement officers were just “Do their job”
However, authorities apparently tried to hold the lead before another protest was held yesterday.
“We have to protest”
The crackdown in the past week may have led to fewer protests. Because the non-vocalists were also prosecuted These were serious charges such as violence against the police and riots.
But many people said they would come out anyway.
“We have a common problem. “The way we are ruled,” said student Danya, who was arrested on Saturday along with several friends. “We protested for one thing. Transition of power “
Danya’s friend Kyril said the group stood still before the police ran in and beat them with their baton.
“I am not a direct supporter of Navalny,” said Kyrill, but he said it was illegal for the opposition leaders to do so. “So, as the people of the country that we love and want to be better We have to protest. “
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