Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov, answering a journalist’s question about rallies in support of Bashkir activist Fail Alsynov, repeated three times that the protests in the region were not massive. Peskov’s words are quoted by Mayak radio and RusNews.
“I would not agree with the wording "mass riots" and «mass protests», there are no riots or mass protests. There are individual manifestations that are, rather, solely within the competence of local authorities and law enforcement agencies. Again, I categorically disagree with the idea that this is widespread. This is the prerogative of local authorities.
If there were any shares that were not agreed upon in the prescribed manner, then they fall under certain articles. But here in this case I did not use a legal term, but a term that determines the number of people who take part. And the question was formulated exactly like that. In a non-legal sense, I do not agree that these were some kind of mass actions,” said Vladimir Putin’s press secretary.
Gathering in Baymak. Protests after the verdict of activist Fail Alsynov in Bashkortostan
In Bashkortostan, on January 15, 17 and 19, rallies were held in support of Shikhan defender Kushtau Alsynov. On Wednesday he was sentenced to four years in a general regime colony, although the prosecution asked that the activist be sentenced to a prison term in a settlement colony. The reason for the case of inciting hatred or enmity was the words “kara halyk” (“black people”). The investigation considered them an insult to the inhabitants of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
During the first two days of protests, hundreds of people gathered in front of the Baymaksky District Court, despite the blocked road and jammed Internet. For several hours, Alsynov’s associates chanted “Shame!” and “Freedom!” Security forces tried to disperse the crowd with stun grenades and tear gas.
Protesters responded by throwing snowballs. As a result, the investigation opened a criminal case under two articles — mass riots and the use of violence against security forces (parts 1 and 2 of article 212, part 1 of article 318 of the Criminal Code). In addition, almost 20 protest participants were given administrative arrests under articles of violating the rules of holding rallies (Part 6.1 of Article 20.2 of the Administrative Code) and disobedience to the demands of the police (Part 1 of Article 19.3 of the Administrative Code).
Today people came out in support of Alsynov Ufa on Salavat Yulaev Square. Dozens of security forces arrived at the site before the rally. About 10 protesters were detained.
Protests in Bashkortostan after the verdict of activist Fail Alsynov