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Russia opposition leader Alexei Navalny detained before Moscow protest Russia opposition leader Alexei Navalny detained before Moscow protest
(35 minutes later)
Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has been detained at his home, his wife has said, after he called on his supporters to take to the streets of Moscow to demonstrate the growing momentum behind his protest movement. The Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has been detained outside his home after he called on his supporters to take to the streets of Moscow to demonstrate the growing momentum behind his protest movement.
The lawyer turned anti-corruption campaigner, who wants to challenge Vladimir Putin for the presidency next year, is popular among a minority of the population, but his support is growing. A protest in March against alleged corruption by the prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, drew an estimated 60,000 people to streets in cities across Russia. The lawyer turned anti-corruption campaigner, who wants to challenge Vladimir Putin for the presidency next year, is popular among a minority of the population, and his support is growing. A protest in March against alleged corruption linked to the prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, drew an estimated 60,000 people to the streets in cities across Russia.
Moscow was bracing for a chaotic afternoon on Monday after Navalny switched the location of the protest at the last minute to central Tverskaya Street, already closed off by authorities for military reenactments to mark Russia Day. Navalny switched the location of Monday’s protest at the last minute to central Tverskaya Street, already closed off by authorities for military reenactments to mark Russia Day.
At about 1.30pmhis wife, Yulia Navalnaya, told media that her husband had been detained at home. At about 1.30pm local time Navalny’s wife, Yulia, wrote on his Twitter feed that he had been arrested about half an hour before the demonstration was to begin. There was no immediate statement from police.
In other Russian cities, smaller protests are being held, with reports of police detentions in a number of Siberian cities. Smaller protests are being held in other Russian cities, with reports of police detentions in a number of Siberian cities.
Most of the rallies are taking place without police permission. Moscow authorities had made a rare concession to the opposition and given Navalny permission to hold the rally on a street close to the city centre. However, late on Sunday, Navalny said every company from which the organisers had tried to rent a stage and sound equipment told them the mayor’s office had forbidden anyone from renting equipment to the rally. Most of the rallies are taking place without police permission. Moscow authorities had made a rare concession to the opposition and given Navalny permission to hold the rally on a street close to the city centre. However, late on Sunday Navalny said every company from which the organisers had tried to rent a stage and sound equipment had told them the mayor’s office had forbidden anyone from lending equipment for the rally.
Angered, Navalny announced he was moving the rally to Tverskaya, saying “compromise is possible, but not humiliation”. Some in the protest movement welcomed the decision as the only logical response to the obstacles placed by authorities, while others decried it as irresponsible, putting protesters at risk. Navalny announced he was moving the rally to Tverskaya, saying “compromise is possible, but not humiliation”. Some in the protest movement welcomed the decision as the only logical response to the obstacles imposed by authorities, while others decried it as irresponsible, putting protesters at risk.
Police said those who attended the event without placards or slogans would be free to walk along the street, but warned they would detain anyone who appeared to be protesting.Police said those who attended the event without placards or slogans would be free to walk along the street, but warned they would detain anyone who appeared to be protesting.
During the previous rally, on 26 March, more than 1,000 people were detained in Moscow alone, including Guardian journalist Alec Luhn. Most were released after a few hours, but some were given 15-day jail sentences, including Navalny. A few people have been given more serious jail terms, with one protesters sentenced to 18 months behind bars, in what appears to be an attempt to use random repressions to deter people from protesting. During the previous rally, on 26 March, more than 1,000 people were detained in Moscow alone, including the Guardian journalist Alec Luhn. Most were released after a few hours, but some were given 15-day jail sentences, including Navalny.
A presidential election is due next March, in which Putin is expected to stand and win a new six-year term. Navalny has travelled around the country setting up volunteer headquarters in many Russian cities as part of his own bid for the presidency. A few people have been given more serious jail terms, with one protester sentenced to 18 months behind bars, in what appears to be an attempt to use random repression to deter people from protesting.
It is almost certain that Navalny will not make it onto the ballot, due to fears that his campaigning on anti-corruption issues will create too much “negative noise”. But authorities are split on how to deal with the threat he poses. Some believe if left to its own devices his protest movement will fizzle out, while others think full-blown repression is the only course of action. A presidential election is due next March, in which Putin is expected to stand and win a new six-year term. Navalny has travelled around the country setting up volunteer headquarters in many cities as part of his own bid for the presidency.
It is almost certain that Navalny will not make it on to the ballot, due to fears that his campaigning on anti-corruption issues will create too much “negative noise”. But authorities are split on how to deal with the threat he poses. Some believe if left to its own devices his protest movement will fizzle out, while others think full-blown repression is the only course of action.
In April, Navalny had green liquid thrown over his face by assailants in Moscow, and was left temporarily blinded in one eye. Authorities have not apprehended those responsible.In April, Navalny had green liquid thrown over his face by assailants in Moscow, and was left temporarily blinded in one eye. Authorities have not apprehended those responsible.