Russian Opposition Leader Alexey Navalny Calls For Anti-War Protests
Editor’s Note: As Russian President Vladimir Putin accelerates its war against Ukrainians, world leaders and foreign policy watchers are increasingly counting on Russian citizens to take responsibility for ending the war. Mohr Media’s intern Jacob Davenport reports on the unfolding developments and some background.
March 4, 2022–In response to the military invasion of Ukraine, Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny encouraged his fellow citizens to continue protesting against the war.
From Prison, Navalny Says ‘Go Protest’
Navalny said Russian citizens should be prepared to “fill prisons and paddy wagons” as a means of demonstration and protest in response to “Moscow’s unprovoked invasion.” Navalny referred to President Vladimir Putin as a “czar” and not reflective of the Russian people.
“No war. Putin is not Russia,” Navalny tweeted today. He encourages Russians to set aside any fears and continue demonstrating. That is despite laws that require permits for large gatherings and the potential repercussions for non-compliance with these ordinances.
Government’s Clamp Down
The government has warned about the consequences of unpermitted anti-war protests. To date, Russia has detained over 6,500 citizens, citing anti-war sentiments and behavior.
Navalny encouraged their continued use even though protestors are outnumbered by Russian riot police who have detained innocent reporters who had permits.
Detentions of Political Prisoners
Last year, Russian authorities held hundreds of political prisoners in Russia numbered. Many are held for religious and political reasons. Russian opposition leader and activist Alexey Navalny is the most famous for his viewpoints regarding President Putin. He is serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence at a penal colony in Vladimir and may face 15 additional years, according to reporting by The Guardian.
Other political prisoners include journalists from Doxa who covered the protests against the imprisonment of Russian opposition leader Navalny. Jehovah’s Witnesses are considered political prisoners because of their religious outreach, biblical studies, rejection of military service, and refusing to celebrate Russian national holidays.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2022 Patti Mohr