Police in Russia detained more than 1,500 people in various cities for taking part in demonstrations against the war in Ukraine, according to the human rights NGO OVD-info.
This organization claims that at least 1,528 were detained in 52 Russian cities. Of these, at least 830 are in Moscow and another 378 in Saint Petersburg.
Russia It has severe legislation to control demonstrations that usually end with massive arrests.
The Russian authorities threatened this Thursday to repress any “unauthorized” demonstration related to “the tense situation in foreign policy”.
Numerous activists called on the population on social media to defy that order and take to the streets, after the Russian president Vladimir Putin will launch his offensive against Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday.
About 2,000 people gathered in Moscow’s central Pushkin Square and about 1,000 in the former imperial capital of St. Petersburg, according to AFP journalists.
The demonstrators in Pushkin Square shouted: “Not to the war!”
“I am shocked. My relatives and loved ones live in Ukraine.” counted in Moscow Anastasia Nestulya.
“What can I tell you over the phone? Are they going to stay there? added this 23-year-old Russian woman, who, like many, says she is afraid to demonstrate.
Some reactions that could also be heard in St. Petersburg.
“I have the feeling that the authorities have gone crazy,” explained Svetlana Volkova, 27, who believes that few people are willing to demonstrate in Russia.
“They have been misled by propaganda.”
A young man shouted while being arrested: “Who are you fighting? Stop Putin.”
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is taking place at the same time as an unprecedented crackdown on the opposition in the country, with many of its leaders assassinated, arrested or forced into exile.
Oppositionist Alexei Navalni, imprisoned since January 2021, said in court, during a new trial that began last week, that he rejects the invasion.
“This war between Russia and Ukraine is being waged to cover up the robbery of Russian citizens and to divert attention from the problems that exist within the country, from the deterioration of the economy.”he said according to a video published by the opposition channel Dojd.
Source: AFP
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