Protests and Arrests
Over 400 individuals were detained across Russia while paying respects to the late opposition leader Alexey Navalny. The sudden passing of Navalny at a remote Arctic penal colony left many Russians devastated, as he had been a prominent figure challenging President Vladimir Putin.
Detentions and Legal Actions
Police arrested 401 people in various Russian cities, with more than 200 detentions in St. Petersburg alone. Among those detained was a priest who planned a memorial service for Navalny and was later hospitalized after being charged with organizing a rally. Courts sentenced dozens to jail time or fines, with some facing up to 15 days in detention.
Controversy Surrounding Navalny’s Death
Navalny’s death a month before Russia’s presidential election raised questions about the circumstances. His team accused authorities of withholding information and deliberately delaying the release of his body to the family. Conflicting reports on the cause of death added to the uncertainty, fueling suspicions of foul play.
International Response
In a poignant moment, Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, addressed the Munich Security Conference, holding Putin and his associates responsible for the tragedy. The global community awaits further developments as investigations into Navalny’s demise continue.