25 Jan 2024 | 03:49 PM UTC
Russia: Authorities organizing rally in Ufa Jan. 26
Authorities planning rally on Salavat Yulaev Square in Ufa, Russia, from 13:00 Jan. 26. Heightened security likely; clashes possible.
Authorities in the Republic of Bashkortostan are planning a rally and concert on Salavat Yulaev Square in Ufa from 13:00 Jan. 26. The purpose of the event is to express unity and denounce recent unrest in the province. It is unknown how many participants may attend; however, the event will likely draw a very large crowd.
Authorities are implementing road closures in the city center. Public transport schedules in the city will be altered. The following roads will be closed between 07:00-17:00:
Gafuri Street from Pushkin Street to Kommunisticheskaya Street
Teatralnaya Street
Zaki Validi Street from Gafuri Street to Aksakova STreet
Particularly tight security and localized transport disruptions are almost certain near the rally site. Counter-protests may form near the event; although these would be small in scale, they would likely attract a heavy police response. Clashes between law enforcement officers and counter-protesters cannot be ruled out.
Avoid the affected area as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling in central Ufa. Keep all necessary documents on your person in case you are stopped by law enforcement. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
On Jan. 17 thousands of demonstrators in Baymak, Bashkortostan, clashed with police following the sentencing of Bashkir social activist Fail Alsynov; activists subsequently protested for Alsynov's release and Bashkir cultural autonomy in Ufa Jan. 19. Protests of this scale are highly unusual in Russia, and the explicitly ethnonationalist undertones of the demonstrations have more than likely attracted significant attention from Russian authorities intent on avoiding widespread unrest.
