On Sunday, supporters of jailed Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny held “Russia Without Putin” demonstrations around the world. According to Navalny’s team, there were demonstrations in Australia, New Zealand, Armenia, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, and Georgia.
Participants held posters against Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine, as well as in support of Navalny and other political prisoners.
The largest demonstrations were in Germany. Several hundred people reportedly gathered in Berlin, while about 200 attended the demonstration in Cologne.
Team Navalny’s “Russia Without Putin” website says that rallies were planned in 40 countries.
The events were timed to coincide with the third anniversary of Navalny’s return to Russia from Germany, where he was treated after being poisoned with the Novichok nerve agent. Upon arrival, Navalny was arrested at passport control. In August 2023, he was sentenced to 19 years in a “special regime” prison colony, the category of correctional institution with the toughest conditions for inmates in Russia.