Protests Sweep Russia's Bashkortostan Over Jailing of Anti-Mining Activist
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Protests broke out in Bashkortostan, Russia after a local activist was imprisoned for 4 years over an alleged racist slur
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Police arrested 45 protesters and officials warned of severe punishment for demonstrators
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The protests spread to multiple cities and were the largest anti-Kremlin demonstrations since the 2022 Ukraine invasion
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The protests were triggered by local opposition to mines being developed by wealthy Russian businessmen
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The crackdown comes as Putin prepares for a March election to showcase popular support for his war, but protests undermine this messaging