Протесты в Башкирии: стычки с ОМОНом, аресты и обвинения Украины | Новости России

Summary

The transcript discusses protests in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan sparked by the sentencing of activist Failya Alsnov to four years in prison for supposed extremist speech. The protests grew to thousands of people and turned violent when police used force to disperse the crowds. The grievances reflect deep tensions over language rights, environment, mobilization policies, and Bashkir dissatisfaction with federal control. The protests are notable as rare mass unrest emerging from Russia's national republics over local issues rather than just anti-Putin opposition.

Takeaways

• 😮 The protests started peacefully but turned violent on the day the verdict was announced, with clashes between protesters and riot police
• 😡 Protesters are demanding freedom for jailed activist Faik Alisov and the resignation of the head of Bashkortostan
• 👮‍♂️ Alisov was sentenced to 4 years in prison for allegedly inciting hatred in a speech defending Bashkir language and land
• 😤 Protesters see Alisov's sentence as unjust and symbolic of wider grievances over ecological, linguistic and cultural issues
• 🚷 Attempts were made to suppress the protests - blocking roads, disrupting internet access, arresting leaders
• 💪🏻 But the protests grew larger, attracting thousands of people over three days to the small town of Baimak
• 🗣️ Slogans expanded from demanding Alisov's freedom to calls for political change and Bashkir independence
• 😰 The clashes reveal tensions in Russia's national republics over language, culture and autonomy from Moscow
• 👮 Authorities have responded by arresting protesters and opening criminal cases for mass unrest and violence
• ❓ It remains unclear how the protests will impact Republic leader Radiy Khabirov and the Kremlin

Q & A

What were the protests in the city of Baimak about?

The protests were sparked by the trial and imprisonment of local activist Faily Asnov on controversial extremism charges. People protested against what they saw as an unfair trial.

How did the authorities respond to the protests?

The authorities responded with force, sending police troops and special forces to the protests. They also tried to restrict access to the city and block social media channels covering the events.

What were some of the protesters' demands?

Protesters demanded the release of Faily Asnov from prison. They also called for the resignation of the head of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov.

How did the protests turn violent?

When Asnov was sentenced to 4 years in prison, protesters tried to storm the courthouse. Police used tear gas and batons, while protesters threw objects back at them.

What role has nationalism played in the protests?

Asnov is seen as defending Bashkir language and culture against Russification. The protests tap into a defensive Bashkir nationalism against federal policies.

How did officials respond to the protests?

Local officials were silent for days. Finally the head of Bashkortostan, Khabirov, blamed officials for not explaining their actions but said protesters were trying to sow ethnic tensions.

What are the deeper grievances behind the protests?

Experts say Bashkirs have long-standing grievances over language, culture, economy and environmental issues that the protests tap into, beyond just Asnov's case.

How were social media channels involved?

Authorities tried to restrict Telegram channels covering the protests. But protesters still used social media to coordinate.

Could the protests spread further?

Analysts warn the protests could spread if the federal government continues restrictive linguistic and cultural policies seen as imperialistic.

How were the protests finally stopped?

Asnov's father negotiated for detained protesters to be released and asked people to disperse peacefully, which they eventually did.