More arrests as Russia cracks down on rare protests

Police in the central Russian republic of Bashkortostan on Friday arrested more protestors incensed over the jailing of a popular activist as a court sentenced nine demonstrators to short jail terms.

Thousands have taken to the streets of the small town of Baymak in freezing temperatures this week, clashing with riot police in a rare display of public outrage.

They are supporting Fail Alsynov, a local activist who campaigns for the protection of the Bashkir language and was sentenced to four years in prison on Wednesday for “inciting hatred.”

Alsynov had publicly criticised Moscow’s mobilisation drive for the offensive in Ukraine launched nearly two years ago and also opposes mining in the region on environmental grounds.

Videos on social media showed police arresting protestors at a small rally in the regional capital of Ufa on Friday.

Unsanctioned protests are illegal in Russia and authorities have promised tough responses against those who take part.

But the Kremlin on Friday sought to downplay the extent of the unrest.

“There are no mass riots or mass protests,” state media agencies cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

A court in Baymak, 1,400 kilometres (870 miles) east of Moscow, sentenced nine people to between eight to 15 days in prison for disobeying police orders during large protests earlier this week, the press service for local courts said Friday.