Thousands of Russians gathered in cities across the country to protest against President Vladimir Putin and show support for opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The demonstrations were organized under the banner 'Noon against Putin,' in response to Navalny's call for mass protests.
Navalny, who is currently serving a prison sentence, had urged his supporters to take to the streets to demand his release and to oppose Putin's government. The protests were seen as a way to fulfill what Navalny referred to as his 'last wish' before being imprisoned.
The rallies took place in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk, with participants waving banners and chanting slogans against Putin's regime. The gatherings were largely peaceful, although there were reports of police detaining some protesters.
Navalny's team had called for the protests to coincide with Putin's annual state of the nation address, in which he outlined his vision for the country's future. The opposition leader's supporters viewed the timing of the protests as a way to challenge Putin's authority and highlight the growing discontent among the Russian population.
The demonstrations come amid increasing tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly in light of Navalny's poisoning last year, which he and many Western leaders have blamed on the Russian government. The protests also come ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for later this year, in which Putin's ruling party is expected to face stiff competition from opposition candidates.
Despite the risks of participating in unauthorized protests in Russia, many Russians turned out to show their support for Navalny and to express their dissatisfaction with the current political climate. The gatherings underscore the deep divisions within Russian society and the ongoing struggle for political change in the country.
