Russia: Thousands gather to protest in Khabarovsk August 29 /update 17

Event

Thousands gathered in the eastern city of Khabarovsk on Saturday, August 29, for the eighth consecutive weekend of anti-Kremlin protests over President Vladimir Putin's management of a regional political crisis and suspected poisoning of Alexei Navalny, who was one of Putin's most vocal political critics. Protesters have peacefully marched with posters with messages such as "Putin, have some tea" in reference to the suspected poisoning of Navalny, who became seriously ill and collapsed during a flight from Moscow after drinking a cup of tea at an airport cafe. The politician is currently being treated in Berlin and is in a medically-induced coma. Some protesters also stood in solidarity with anti-government protesters in Belarus, opposing Alexander Lukashenko who is also Putin's close political ally.

Further associated demonstrations are possible in the area in the near term. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

Advice

Those in Khabarovsk are advised to avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of arrest, refrain from discussing political subjects in public or on social media, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate localized disruption near any protest sites.