The authorities of the Russian Federation ordered riot police to disperse the participants of a large-scale protest in Bashkortostan. The local population has already started to be beaten with batons, and tear gas and stun grenades have also been used against the protesters.
Mass protests in Bashkiria: what is happening
The large-scale protest action in Bashkortostan has been going on for several days. It was attended by thousands of people (as of January 17, about 3,000 — ed.) who demanded the resignation of the interim head of the republic, Radiy Khabirov, from dictator Vladimir Putin.
In addition, people want the authorities to release the well-known activist Fail Alsynov, who was sentenced to four years in prison in the case of inciting ethnic enmity.
Protests began on January 15 in Baymak and have not stopped until now.
Clashes broke out between people and the OMON police unit during the protest in Bashkiria
The authorities of the Russian Federation have already involved OMON police fighters in dispersing the demonstrators.
According to Russian opposition media, the first demonstrators were detained after the protesters managed to push back a few meters of riot police with shields who were standing near the courthouse.
OMON officers beat the protesters with batons, in response they threw chunks of snow, as well as gloves and hats. Also it is claimed, their batons flew in the direction of the OMON. Anonymous Telegram channels reported that tear gas was used against people who gathered near the courthouse. The media reported that smoke grenades were thrown at the protesters, which the activists threw back at the OMON. Russian publication SOTA said that stun grenades were also used against the demonstrators.
It is also reported that OMON started detaining protest participants. There are at least two victims among locals.
According to the media, one of the activists was served with a summons to the Military Committee, after which he was taken to the FSB.
