Anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny joined dozens of local opposition activists in attempting to hold a march to the local elections commission building, Gazeta.ru reported. Police blocked their path, and the activists walked to a central square in the city, where they pitched three tents.
Signs attached to the tents included the opposition slogan "For Fair Elections" and the message "We voted for Shein," according to a photograph posted by Navalny on his Twitter account.
Police increased security in the southern city Tuesday in response to the opposition events, RIA-Novosti reported. Navalny wrote on Twitter that local protesters were surprised to spot a police helicopter flying overhead.
"A police helicopter is flying over Astrakhan. This is new here. Residents are mildly awed," Navalny wrote.
Astrakhan has become a new rallying cry for the country's burgeoning protest movement as key opposition figures have called for support of Shein's 26-day hunger strike.
The mayoral candidate was pale and looked "very morbid" on Tuesday, a Gazeta.ru correspondent said. He has lost nine kilograms and his supporters have become concerned that his health is in danger.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
