24 Sep 2018 | 07:08 AM UTC
Russia: Opposition leader detained in Moscow Sep. 24 /update 3
Police reportedly detain prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny in Moscow on September 24 shortly after he was released from prison; associated protests possible
Event
Moscow police officers detained prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny on the morning (local time) of Monday, September 24, shortly after he was released from jail. According to Navalny’s associates, he was arrested for allegedly violating laws on public gatherings. Navalny faces another 20-day jail sentence if found guilty. Protests in support of Navalny may be held in Moscow and other cities in the coming hours and days.
Context
Navalny was sentenced to 30 days in jail in August for organizing an unauthorized street rally in Moscow in January. His supporters claim it was an attempt by the government to prevent protests against pension reforms that took place earlier in September. Russian government officials have proposed raising the pension age from 55 to 63 for women and from 60 to 65 for men to help offset the economic effects of an aging population and a smaller workforce.
Advice
Individuals in Moscow, and Russia more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
