An arrested protester shows a sign reading “No War” from a police bus.
(Photo: dpa)
Moscow According to civil rights activists, more than 1,700 people were arrested during anti-war demonstrations in numerous Russian cities against the invasion of neighboring Ukraine. The civil rights portal Owd-Info registered protests in around 44 Russian cities by Thursday evening – despite a ban on demonstrations and the threat of harsh penalties.
In the Russian capital, Moscow, around 1,000 people shouted “No to the war!” on the central Pushkin Square. Many Russians feel close ties to the Ukrainians, and there are often family ties.
Many protesters had tears in their eyes at the sight of the invasion of Ukraine ordered by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. It was the biggest protest since the beginning of last year, when Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny was arrested in Moscow after his return from Germany.
Navalny had just survived an attack with the chemical warfare agent Novichok in Russia and was then treated in Germany. He blames Putin for the assassination.
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Sharp criticism from Navalny
“I am against war,” said the opponent of Putin, who was imprisoned in the penal camp and threatened with 15 years in prison in a new controversial trial. The attack on Ukraine is fratricide and criminal. “The Kremlin gang kicked him loose so they could keep stealing. They kill to steal,” he stressed in court on Thursday.
The organization Owd-Info published photos on the social network Telegram of people holding up placards with expressions of solidarity for Ukraine, alone or in small groups.
Many Russians sympathize with Ukraine.
(Photo: imago images/NurPhoto)
Eyewitnesses to the rally in Moscow showed the German Press Agency videos of the violent actions of uniformed security forces against the demonstrators. Some were beaten for no reason.
Russian authorities had previously warned against protests and threatened arrests. Russian security forces are known for often cracking down on opposition demonstrators in particular. The authorities had repeatedly banned rallies, also with reference to the corona pandemic.
More: Putin’s War – This is what the Russian President is aiming for with his attack on Ukraine