Opponent Alexeï Navalny calls for demonstrations during the presidential election in March

The 47-year-old opponent, who is currently serving a 19-year prison sentence for “extremism” in a remote penal colony in the Arctic, believes that the authorities could not oppose this “perfectly legal and safe” demonstration. .

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Russian opponent Alexeï Navalny, during his hearing by a Moscow court, September 26, 2023. (TATYANA MAKEYEVA / AFP)

“This could be a powerful demonstration of the mood of the country.” Russian opponent Alexeï Navalny called, Thursday, February 1, for demonstrations across Russia during the presidential election scheduled for March 15 to 17, which should allow Vladimir Putin to remain in power at least until 2030. “I like the idea that those who vote against Putin go to the polls at the same time, at noon. Noon against Putin”did he declare on.

The 47-year-old opponent, who currently serving a 19-year prison sentence for “extremism” in a remote Arctic penal colony, believes the authorities could not oppose this demonstration “perfectly legal and safe”. Demonstrations against the authorities are, however, banned in Russia and severely repressed by the police.

Call to mobilize “in every city”

He called on anyone who opposes the Kremlin’s policies, primarily the assault on Ukraine, to mobilize “not only in every city, but also in every neighborhood”. “Millions of people will be able to participate. And tens of millions of people will attend”argued Alexeï Navalny again.

For its part, the Kremlin assures that the Russians are largely “United” behind Vladimir Putin. The victory of the leader, in power since 2000, seems assured. Its main opponents, led by Alexeï Navalny, have been imprisoned or driven into exile in recent years.


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