Opposition to Vladimir Putin in Russia

Russian police detained over 250 protesters on Jan. 31 as activists took to the streets across the country demanding the release of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Russia on Saturday to protest against the arrest of opposition activist Alexey Navalny.

Police clashed violently with protesters in Moscow and arrested more than 2,500 demonstrators in cities across the country on Jan. 23 as Russians took to the streets to denounce Kremlin rule and demand the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Chairman of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament Dacian Ciolos is calling the detention of Alexei Navalny a 'coward gesture' of the regime led by Vladimir Putin, calling on the European Parliament for an urgent debate. "Getting Alexei Navalny arrested is a coward gesture of the regime led by Vladimir Putin that cannot go without consequences.

Russia's prison service says it has orders to detain Alexey Navalny, a statement made days before the opposition politician is due to return to Russia after recuperating abroad from a suspected FSB poisoning.

Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who is currently recovering in Germany from a nerve-agent attack he blames on the Kremlin, said he plans to return to Moscow despite threats by the authorities to imprison him upon his arrival.

Navalny said in an Instagram video post Wednesday that he has a ticket to Moscow on Jan. 17.

"We are now facing with one problem. It may happen that we cancel the pre-election rally for the third time. We have planned a rally in Novi Sad for Friday, where 30.000 people are expected. We will decide whether we will have it by 12 o'clock tomorrow," President said yesterday.

Opinion appears to be divided on a number of issues concerning the gradual easing of restrictions on public movement and commercial activity. This difference of opinion is even seen among the experts, as the scientific community is still somewhat in the dark about the new coronavirus. Every decision, therefore, carries a risk.

Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis announced on Tuesday that the government will soon present legislation that will change the framework in which demonstrations and rallies are being held.

"There will be an end to roads being closed down without warning," he told lawmakers.

Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis announced on Tuesday that the government will soon present legislation that will change the framework in which demonstrations and rallies are being held.

"There will be an end to roads being closed down without warning," he told lawmakers.