In Russian Bashkortostan, several thousand people protested after activist Fail Alsynov was sentenced to four years in prison.
On January 17, the court announced Alsynov’s verdict in the case of “inciting ethnic hatred”. Alsynov has not admitted guilt and intends to appeal the decision. The activist previously advocated for the separation of Bashkiria from the Russian Federation and was included in the list of extremists.
What is known about the protests in Bashkortostan
A picket was organized near the courthouse in the city of Baymak. Some Russian media write that 3 thousand people gathered.
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The security forces were brought to the courthouse and used stun grenades and tear gas against the protesters. In response, people threw snowballs at them. According to media reports, at least one person was hospitalized and dozens more were detained.
It is also reported that the Internet has begun to be jammed in the region due to protests and unrest. The Meduza publication noted that Telegram restricted access to the channel through which the protest was coordinated, as well as to the RusNews channel, which covered the protests. RusNews journalists reported on Twitter that they were subjected to a DDOS attack after covering the protests in Baymak. Later, access to RusNews was restored.
Just the day before, some Telegram channels reported the blocking of several Bashkir channels in the messenger.
Because of the protests in Bashkortostan, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs opened a case of mass riots.
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The police blocked all approaches to the court building with cars and tractors of utility workers. The media write that people who came to the protest left their cars on the adjacent streets and walked to the court building.
Protesters announced that they will block the roads in Bashkortostan along which security forces travel to Baymak and will not allow Alsynov to be taken to the colony.
What is known about the Alsynov case
A criminal case was opened against the activist in August 2023 after an appeal from the head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov.
Alsynov was accused of “inciting ethnic hatred”, “calling for anti-state protests” and “carrying out extremist activities”, as well as for “discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation”.
Photo: Fail Alsynov
The activist called the official’s appeal a denunciation and in an open letter to him denied all accusations.
Vestka wrote that Alsynov is being persecuted because of a speech made in April 2023, during which he said kara khalik. From Bashkir they are translated as black people. Russian investigators believe that with these words he wanted to insult the inhabitants of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
In Bashkiria, Fail Alsynov is known as a participant in protests for the preservation of Mount Kushtau. They wanted to give it for development to the Bashkir Soda Company, but activists achieved the status of a natural monument.
