Russia: Opposition Alexei Navalny calls for protests during presidential election

The imprisoned number one opponent of the Kremlin Alexei Navalny today called for demonstrations everywhere in Russia during presidential elections expected to take place from March 15 to 17 and allow Vladimir Putin to remain in power until at least 2030.

“I like the idea of ​​those who vote against Putin going to the polls at the same time, at noon. At noon against Putin“, said the opposition on social media. “This can be a strong indication of the spirit of the country,” he said from his prison cell, estimating that the authorities could not oppose such an “absolutely legal and safe” event.

The demonstrations against the authorities are however banned in Russia and brutally suppressed by the forces of order. The 47-year-old activist is serving a 19-year prison sentence for “extremism” in an Arctic penal colony, under very difficult conditions.

He called on anyone who opposes the Kremlin's policy, primarily the attack on Ukraine, to mobilize “not only in every city, but also in every neighborhood.” “Thousands of people will be able to participate. And tens of thousands of people will show up,” Navalny added on the X platform (formerly Twitter).

The dissident therefore called on Russians not to vote for him Vladimir Putin, without mentioning the name of any specific candidate he supports, while his wife Yulia and some of his closest supporters, who are in exile, have in recent days supported Boris Nadiezdin, the only candidate who calls for an end to the war in Ukraine. For its part, the Kremlin states that the Russians they are largely “united” behind Vladimir Putin.

Presidential elections in Russia are expected to be held from March 15 to 17.

Victory for Vladimir Putin, in power since 2000, looks certain as his opponents, led by Navalny, have been jailed or driven into exile in recent years amid a wave of repression as Moscow's offensive against Ukraine continues. .