Russia Detains Hundreds as Protesters Rally for Jailed Opposition Leader Navalny

MOSCOW—Thousands of persons throughout Russia took to the streets in aid of jailed opposition chief Alexei Navalny, in what has shaped up to be a critical exam for his motion and a new obstacle for the Kremlin.

Law enforcement in riot equipment detained hundreds of protesters during the unsanctioned rallies in dozens of Russian cities on Saturday, such as the cash Moscow, in accordance to independent monitors. Mr. Navalny, who was detained on Sunday on his return to Russia from Germany subsequent a close to-fatal poisoning with a nerve agent, had called for protests and organizers explained they envisioned rallies in far more than 60 cities throughout Russia’s 11 time zones.

For Mr. Navalny, who has demonstrated an skill to mobilize his big subsequent into demonstrations, Saturday’s protests are a new exam of his clout after currently being out of the country for five months, even though supporters are going through freezing temperatures and escalating tension from authorities. The toughness and sustainability of the rallies would be an indicator no matter if his motion can increase even as he is going through a most likely yearslong prison sentence, analysts say.

The rallies are the hottest versus President Vladimir Putin’s govt subsequent demonstrations in recent a long time versus declining political freedoms and stagnating residing requirements. Observers say that the major issue for the Kremlin is no matter if the rallies could increase into a prolonged-time period exhibit of resistance and attract far more persons forward of this year’s parliamentary election.

“The protests are a vivid headache” for many in the ruling elite, explained Konstantin Gaaze, a Moscow-centered political analyst and former govt adviser. “And for Navalny, it is all in, he has almost nothing else but the menace of avenue protests.”