After taking to the streets on Sunday to demand the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, more than 100 of his supporters were detained by Russian security authorities. The protests, organized by Navalny’s support group, coincided with Navalny’s 47th birthday and aimed to draw attention to his imprisonment.
Protesters carried signs advocating for the freedom of President Vladimir Putin’s prominent critic. According to a Russian human rights group, over 100 individuals were detained in 24 cities across the country, including the capital, by midnight Moscow time.
In a social media post on Sunday, Navalny expressed his belief that there will be a time in Russia when it is safe to speak the truth and uphold justice.
Navalny was arrested two years ago in relation to an embezzlement case from his past. Despite being incarcerated, he has continued to voice strong criticism against the Putin administration.
Navalny has been actively denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces and a change in government.
