Tens of thousands of people are rioting in Khabarovsk, Komsomolsk-on-Amur and several other Russian cities to protest against Putin for the second day in a row. They shout: “Putin must resign now!” “He’s got to go!” “Down with the King” and “Freedom!”

The Russians are rioting because of the arrest of local governor Sergei Furgalt. He is accused of committing murder 15 years ago and now faces 25 years in prison. On Friday, police tried to prevent a rally and cordoned off the central square with metal fencing. They justified it by claiming it was due to the  pandemic and the need for disinfection. But this did not stop the protesters.

The activists of Navalny’s staff believe that mass rallies for two days in a row are a “unique phenomenon” for the country. “Over the last few days, we have seen that originally apolitical people wake up and learn with each other’s support to riot,” they said on Twitter.

Natalia Tolub

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