Authorities are cracking down
Many arrests during protests in Russia
03/13/2022, 12:16 p.m
Despite the ban, people in Russia continue to take to the streets against the Ukraine war. As usual, the authorities resorted to brutal methods. Civil rights activists report arrests in 21 cities across the country.
According to civil rights activists, more than 130 people across the country have been arrested during new demonstrations against the war in Ukraine. The organization Owd-Info said the arrests were made during protests in 21 cities. That number was expected to continue rising as the day progressed. There were actions, for example, in Vladivostok in the far east of Russia and in Irkutsk on Lake Baikal and in the Siberian city of Tomsk.
Pictures and videos on social networks showed how people were dragged away by police officers wearing hard hats and heavy equipment. In total, more than 14,100 people have been arrested since the Russian attack on Ukraine began on February 24, according to Owd-Info.
In the capital Moscow, a popular tourist spot right by the Kremlin was cordoned off with metal bars, a correspondent reported. In the event of new protests, hundreds of the OMON special police were ready, some with bulletproof vests and helmets. Gunmen were also seen in front of the State Duma. Many prisoner transporters were ready. The imprisoned Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny had previously called on his compatriots to take to the streets against the war.