Thousands of Navalny supporters protest in Russia; at least 1,700 arrests (PHOTOS)

By Pavlo Podufalov .

Published April 22, 2021. Updated April 22 at 2:32 pm

Opposition supporters hold their lit cell phones during a rally in support of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, on April 21, 2021 in Vladimir, where he was reportedly transferred to the IK-3 penal colony.

Photo by AFP

The team of imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called for demonstrations around Russia on April 21, timed for President Vladimir Putin’s State of the Nation address. Thousands turned out in more than 100 cities, protesting Navalny’s failing health after mistreatment and abuse in prison. Navalny went on a hunger strike in protest. Police took a hard stance, arresting at least 1,700 people.

RFE/RL: Protests across Russia show support For jailed Kremlin critic Navalny

Reuters: Russia arrests over 1,700 at rallies for hunger-striking Navalny