07 May 2018 | 08:40 PM UTC
Russia: Opposition leader released after nationwide rallies May 6 /update 4
Opposition leader Alexei Navalny released after brief detention in Moscow May 6; demonstrations possible in the coming days and weeks
Event
Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was released on Sunday, May 6, after being arrested during a protest in Moscow on Saturday, May 5. Navalny faces up to 30 days in jail on charges of organizing an illegal rally and resisting police, and will appear in court on Friday, May 11. Navalny has been previously detained and jailed for organizing similar protests.
In addition to Navalny, at least 1500 other demonstrators across 26 cities were arrested as part of the “He’s not our tsar” rallies held nationwide on Saturday. As of Monday, May 7, it was unknown how many of those arrested remained in custody. Additional protests are possible in cities across Russia in the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near potential related gatherings.
Context
Authorities detained a number of Navalny supporters across the country on May 4, before Saturday’s rallies. According to activists, individuals working with Navalny’s team were arrested in Tambov, Ryazan, Krasnoyarsk, Saint Petersburg, Krasnodar, Cheboksary, and Kemerovo. On April 30, the Moscow district attorney’s office released a statement warning against holding unauthorized protests in the city. Additional anti-government demonstrations are planned on May 6, prior to President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin on May 7.
Official authorization is required for all protests and other large public gatherings in Russia; police sometimes use force to disperse unauthorized demonstrations. Navalny organized a number of large anti-government rallies in Moscow in late 2017 and early 2018. Putin faced no serious opposition in elections held in March 2018, easily winning a fourth term in office. Prominent opposition leader Navalny was barred from running due to previous arrests.
Advice
Individuals in Moscow and across Russia are advised to avoid any potential protests as a precaution and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
