Thousands of people around Russia took to the streets toprotest against Putin. Even after police announced a ban of protest and warnedpeople to stay home, many were seen standing up in solidarity with AlexeiNavalny.
After one of the largest protests, police arrested morethan 1000 people. The protest occurred after reports alleged that oppositionleader Alexei requires medical treatment which is denied to him. The Kremlin criticwas jailed in February and is on hunger strikes for weeks. He is demandingmedical attention for acute back pain and leg numbness.
Moscow city witnessed the largest protest of the day.Other cities like St Petersburg, Vladivostok in the Far East, cities inSiberia and the central city of Vladimir also observed protests on April 21.The top aide and spokeswoman of Alexei Navalny were also detained after Russianpolice raided the Saint Petersburg offices.
On Wednesday, April 21 UN rights experts warned thatNavalny’s life was in serious danger. They alleged that the conditions in whichNavalny is held could amount to torture and called on Russian authorities torelease Navalny for urgent medical care.
The statement from UN experts stated, “Navalny has beenkept in harsh conditions in a high-security penal colony and denied access toadequate medical care. The conditions may amount to torture. We urge theRussian authorities to ensure Mr. Navalny has access to his own doctors and toallow him to be evacuated for urgent medical treatment abroad as they did inAugust 2020.”
Alexei’s ally has urged that his situation is criticaland his health has sharply deteriorated. Around 16000 protesters protested onWednesday in Russian streets. Navalny’s supporters were unsatisfied and saidthat they don’t think this protest can save him. Around 200,000 to 300,000people are needed to come out to the streets for Alexei.
One of the demonstrators said, “This is one of the lastgasps of a free Russia.” “This is a fight for the future,” another added.