Russian Authorities "Tough Response... This Is Just the Beginning"
Navalny to Face Trial Again on Defamation Charges
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The Russian government has indicated a tougher stance in response to protests demanding the release of opposition leader Aleksei Navalni. Amid the ongoing protests since Navalni's return to the country, with at least 10,000 citizens arrested by authorities, Navalni's side announced plans to suspend street protests for the time being and resume them in the spring.
On the 4th (local time), according to foreign media, Russian officials stated they would "mobilize all necessary means to completely suppress protests demanding Navalni's release." Officials who requested anonymity added, "The measures taken so far are only the beginning."
Despite the spread of protests related to Navalni, the Russian government believes there is little chance of significant damage to the regime. Although protests demanding Navalni's release have spread to over 100 cities in the past two weeks, President Vladimir Putin's approval rating remains solid, which is interpreted as a reason for the government's confidence.
According to a public opinion poll conducted by the Levada Center, a Russian polling agency, from last month until the 2nd of this month, President Putin's approval rating stood at 64%, maintaining a high level of support. This represents only a 1 percentage point drop compared to November last year. In contrast, Navalni's approval rating has not exceeded 5% in recent polls.
Dmitry Oreshkin, a Russian political analyst, said, "Government officials are currently confident that the Navalni-related protests will eventually subside," adding, "Based on this confidence, there is ample room to respond more harshly to Navalni's protests."
Navalni's side announced plans to suspend street protests for the time being and possibly resume them in the spring. Leonid Volkov, Navalni's chief strategist, released a video message stating, "Efforts to secure Navalni's release will continue," but "street protests will be suspended for now and resumed in the spring." He emphasized, "Strategic voting by citizens is essential to defeat the ruling United Russia party candidates in the upcoming autumn general election."
Meanwhile, foreign media reported that Navalni is expected to face trial again on defamation charges after previously being sentenced to prison on fraud charges. According to TASS news agency, the Babushkinsky District Court in Moscow announced that Navalni will be summoned to attend the defamation trial scheduled for the following day. Navalni was previously investigated in June last year for allegedly defaming a World War II veteran.
At that time, Navalni posted on social media criticizing Ignat Artemenko, a retired colonel and World War II veteran, for supporting constitutional amendments that would allow Putin's long-term rule. The Russian Veterans of the War League filed a defamation lawsuit against him, and the investigative authorities indicted him.
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