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Russians protest Navalny’s arrest - 3rd February 2021

From Vladivostok to Moscow, tens of thousands of protestors filled the streets of over 100 Russian cities for a second weekend. Braving temperatures as low as minus 40, the demonstrators were objecting to Kremlin rule and the detention of anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny.

Navalny was placed under arrest on 17th January on his return to Russia from Germany, where he had been receiving treatment for Novichok poisoning. He is believed to have been exposed to the Russian nerve agent by Kremlin agents.

In an effort to deter demonstrations, 7 Moscow metro stations were shuttered. On Sunday, over 5000 protestors were taken into custody.

Navalny's wife Yulia and brother Oleg are among those who were detained. Police claim they had disregarded Covid-19 restrictions during the demonstrations.

Many protestors carried gold painted toilet brushes in reference to reports that President Putin had received a $1.35 billion mansion as a gift. The luxury property features toilet brushes costing over $800 each. Putin denies owning the property.

Navalny is currently awaiting a hearing at a Moscow detention centre, where crowds of protestors gathered at the weekend. The hearing will determine whether or not Navalny will serve a jail term.