Despite the repression of the Russian police, protests grow in Bashkortostan and move to the regional capital

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Russia Detains Several People at Protest in Support of Jailed Activist

In the capital of the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, hundreds of supporters of a jailed human rights activist gathered for a protest on Friday. However, the rally turned chaotic as police detained at least seven people, sparking outrage and condemnation from onlookers.

The meeting in the city of Ufa defied warnings from the region’s leader, Radiy Khabirov, who had threatened tough action against what he called extremists and traitors. The Russian-language outlet SOTA Vision posted a video showing police warning people over a loudspeaker that they would be arrested if they participated in the unauthorized gathering.

Amid the chaos, a woman was seen being taken away by police as onlookers shouted “Shame!” Police formed a human chain to clear the way for a bus carrying detained individuals, further inciting protests from the crowd.

The protest was held in support of minority rights activist Fail Alsynov, who was sentenced to four years in prison on charges of inciting ethnic hatred, which he denied. Alsynov, 37, is considered a hero by many members of the region’s ethnic Bashkir people for his advocacy of their language, culture, and rights.

Last year, Alsynov spoke out against the recruitment of ethnic Bashkirs to fight for Russia in Ukraine, declaring “this is not our war.”

Public protests in Russia are rare due to the risk of arrests, especially since the start of the war. The timing of the protest is particularly delicate, as President Vladimir Putin is set to run for a new six-year term in March.

Alsynov’s supporters claim the charges against him are overdue revenge for his role in successful protests several years earlier, during which activists blocked mining plans on a hill considered sacred by local people.

“Thank you very much to everyone who came to support me. I will never forget. I don’t admit my guilt. I always fought for justice, for my people, for my republic,” Alsynov told a journalist after the court’s verdict.

The large-scale protests in Russia are extremely rare, with thousands of people detained in the last two years for opposing the military operation in Ukraine. The clashes with security forces at the recent protest have prompted the opening of a criminal investigation.

The events in Bashkortostan highlight the continued struggle for human rights and freedom of expression in Russia, with activists risking their safety and freedom to fight for the rights of minority groups.