Russia: Nationwide opposition protests January 28

Event

On Wednesday, December 27, opposition politician Aleksei Navalny issued a call for nationwide demonstrations to take place on Sunday, January 28. The planned demonstrations will be held in 90 towns and cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, in support of a boycott of Russia’s March presidential election. A government spokesperson stated that the government is investigating whether Navalny’s call for a boycott may have broken the law. Clashes between demonstrators and police are likely.

Context

Official authorization is required for all protests and other large public gatherings in Russia; police sometimes use force to disperse unauthorized demonstrations. During nationwide opposition protests organized by Navalny in October, police arrested at least 260 people and reportedly dispersed protesters with tear gas.

Navalny is a well-known anti-corruption activist, and announced in December 2016 that he would run for president in 2018. However, on December 25, 2017, Russia's electoral commission officially barred him from officially running due to previous arrests. Despite warnings that he would be banned from participating in the lection, Navalny has campaigned throughout the year, holding rallies across the country that have drawn thousands of people.

Advice

Individuals present in Russia are advised to avoid all demonstrations as violence can break out with little to no warning.