Russia arrests more than 5,000 people a day in anti-war protests
Russia has arrested more than 5,000 people in dozens of cities in protest of President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The arrest of so many people is an unprecedented incident. The Russian government is cracking down on anyone who opposes an attack on a neighboring country.
OVD-Info observing the arrest incident during the demonstration, said that during anti-war protests, police detained at least 5,016 people in 60 cities.
The arrest of so many people in one day is an unprecedented event. This is far more than the number of people arrested during the protests that led to the imprisonment of opposition leader Alexei Navalny last year.
In a statement from his prison cell, Navalny called on the Russian people to protest the war.
Protesters taking to the streets in the country are taking the risk of possible imprisonment.
OVD-Info reports that 2,394 people have been arrested in Moscow. At least 1,253 people were arrested in St. Petersburg, observers said.
Protests also took place in small regional towns in Russia. Several activists have posted videos of violent arrests on social media.
OVD-Info reported that the police used electrical shocks against protesters.
Anti-war protests continue in Russia, despite warnings from authorities and the risk of imprisonment.
To further silence critics, Putin passed a bill into law on Friday. The law provides for up to 15 years in prison for spreading false news against the Russian military.
Putin also signed another bill, which provides for up to three years in prison or fines for sanctions against Russia. As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has faced severe economic sanctions from the West.
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