By: Sara Adams
Impunity Watch News Reporter, Europe
MOSCOW, Russia – Several protesters were arrested by the Russian police in Moscow on November 5th.
News outlets are reporting anywhere from 86 to 260 have been arrested at an unauthorized gathering at Manezh Square.
The rally was allegedly planned by a group known in Russia for their anti-Vladimir Putin stance. The group, called Artpodgotovka, has been labeled an “extremist” group by a Russian court.
Russia’s security agency also reported that it had arrested several group members suspected of plotting to firebomb government buildings.
This is not the first time President Putin has sent in law enforcement to arrest people who oppose him.
In early October, 290 protesters were arrested among 26 cities. The protests were marches against Mr. Putin, taking place on his birthday.
Thousands reportedly marched against Mr. Putin’s government.
Free speech and assembly rights in Russia have been severely limited since Mr. Putin took presidential power in 2012.
Before that, Mr. Putin served as prime minister since 1999.
Much of the anti-Putin sentiment is stoked by fears of another revolution.
This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Bolshevik revolution, the event that led to a massive civil war with millions of casualties.
The Russian government, the Kremlin, will not commemorate this event for fears of stoking anti-government sentiment.
Dima Litvinov is the great-grandson of Maxim Litvinov, who was a Soviet foreign minister after the Bolshevik revolution.
He says that his great-grandfather would be “horrified by the extreme nationalism and religious intolerance that is going up in Russia.”
He adds, “Russia, in a way, hasn’t moved on. People feel detached from the ability to affect their fate and the government. The authorities like it that way.”
Mr. Litvinov may not be far off.
The November 5th protesters are alleged to have been led by nationalist politician Vyacheslav Maltsev. Mr. Maltsev is an outspoken critic of Mr. Putin.
Mr. Maltsev has called publicly for Mr. Putin to be impeached. He also has said that a “revolution is imminent.”
While several of the protesters are being released from detainment, Mr. Maltsev is reportedly living abroad after a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant for him.
For more information, please see:
BBC News – Russia protests: At least 260 nationalist Putin opponents held – 5 November 2017
The Washington Post – Russia struggles with legacy of 1917 Bolshevik Revolution – 5 November 2017
ABC News – At least 86 Russian nationalist protesters reported arrested – 5 November 2017
Reuters – Police detain dozens in Moscow amid fear of anti-government attacks – 5 November 2017
The New York Times – At Least 86 Russian Nationalist Protesters Reported Arrested – 5 November 2017
CNN – Russian police arrest hundreds in protests on Putin’s birthday – 8 October 2017
