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Russia issues arrest threat as supporters of govt critic, Navalny plan new nationwide rallies

January 31, 2021 No Comments

Concerned authorities in Russia on Saturday issued an arrest threat to supporters of Kremlin critic, Alexey Navalny who are preparing for a fresh round of anti-government protests on Sunday.

Reports say Navalny’s supporters are planning a nationwide protest despite a police crackdown and strong warnings against participating in the demonstrations.

Spokeswoman for the Russian interior ministry, Irina Volk in a statement issued on Saturday said participants found in violation of epidemiological regulations by participating in rallies could face criminal charges.

“The Russian interior ministry units and other law enforcement will use all necessary measures to ensure public order at sites of mass events. Moreover, we warn that any violent actions against officers or refusal to obey their lawful orders will be prevented.

“Individuals who commit such illegal actions will be detained and held accountable according to the law,” Volk added.

This came days after the police in Russia arrested no fewer than 3,000 supporters of Navalny, and also violently broke up rallies across Russia as tens of thousands of protesters marched through the country.

The police in Russia have arrested no fewer than 3,000 supporters of jailed Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny, and also violently broke up rallies across Russia as tens of thousands of protesters marched through the country.

Reports say many protesters ignored extreme cold and police warnings to demand the immediate release of Navalny who was arrested shortly after arriving Russia from Germany.

Prosecutors in St Petersburg said in a statement late Saturday they were probing violations including “on the part of law enforcement” and the use of force against an unidentified woman.

“There were violent clashes with the police using their batons to beat them down,” Al Jazeera’s Aleksandra Godfroid, reporting from Moscow, said.

Navalny’s wife, Yulia, said on social media she was detained at the rally and later released. Lyubov Sobol, a prominent aide of Navalny and lawyer, was also among those held.

Yesterday, scores of Navalny supporters clashed with police in Russia over the continued detention of the opposition leader who recently arrived from Germany.

Reports say scuffles broke out early in the morning as Navalny’s supporters gathered in Khabarovsk despite elaborate measures by the government to curb demonstrations planned in more than 60 Russian cities.