Posted 1/17/2024, 7:06:00 PM
Thousands Protest in Russia After Activist Jailed for Defending Indigenous Land Rights
- Thousands protested in Russia after indigenous rights activist jailed for 4 years on charges of inciting ethnic hatred
- Demonstration defied police warnings and ban on unauthorized gatherings; dozens arrested
- Activist gained notoriety for successful 2020 campaign against mining on mountain sacred to Bashkirs
- Locals view conviction as retaliation by governor and former Kremlin official
- Protests seen as challenge to governor's grip on Bashkortostan and embarrassment for Kremlin amid election