Rare violent protests in Russia after anti-war activist jailed

Russians have clashed with riot police in a rare, large protest after an activist was sentenced to four-years in a penal colony.

Fail Alsynov appeared in court on Wednesday accused of making a racist comment in a speech against plans to mine gold in the central Bashkortostan region using migrant workers.

Despite temperatures of -20C (-4F), thousands gathered outside the courtroom in Baymak demanding his freedom after the sentence was passed down.

Videos shared on social media showed a bus and three heavy police trucks, alongside crowds of protesters who squared up to officers who were holding shields and wearing helmets.

#russia #protest #police

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