Russian advocacy organization and human rights monitor, OVD-Info, alongside Russian online media platform Mediazona, have
reported the detention of a minimum of 75 protesters in 17 cities taking part in the “Noon Against Putin” manifestation. The protest, orchestrated by Russian opposition, encourages anti-Putin voters to display their sentiments by voting against him at noon.
Russians were seen
gathering outside polling institutions at noon in an apparent protest against the potential prolongation of Putin’s over two-decade-long rule in the impending
presidential elections.
Mediazona also
reported several incidents of violence at polling stations, including ballot boxes being set on fire or being splattered with paint. According to OVD-Info, the women believed to be behind these attacks have been incarcerated. An additional protester was arrested for supposedly writing an anti-war slogan on her ballot. An election monitor was also detained for donning a t-shirt supporting opposition leader Navalny. In a separate report, the organization divulged that police in Odintsovo were inspecting and confiscating ballots.
The “Noon Against Putin” movement was initiated by Russian politician Maxim Reznik and was
endorsed by the late but eminent opposition leader and activist Alexei Navalny. The
death of Navalny in prison in February spurred outrage both in Russia and
nationally, and
internationally.
Days before his death, Navalny
posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his approval of anti-Putin voters assembling at polling stations together at 12 noon, believing it to be a potent show of national sentiment.
Going into its final day, the presidential election is highly likely to result in Putin’s re-election since all major opposition figures have been
disqualified from running.