Anniversary: ​​anti-war protests - hundreds of arrests, fear and silence

February 24, 2023 marks one year since the start of the war. In several Russian cities, rallies and single pickets took place - people came out against the war, against the ongoing conflict. Despite the small number, the protests were accompanied by mass arrests: hundreds of protesters received fines, arrests, and administrative cases were initiated. After these actions, agitation against “destructive movements” intensified: law enforcement agencies announced that they would react harshly to “attempts to undermine public safety.” Complaints about illegal detentions, pressure on the families of detainees, and threats of dismissal in the event of political activity have become commonplace. For many - morally tired, tired of losses and news from the front - February became a month of fear: not so much for themselves, but for their loved ones. Many stopped expressing opinions out of fear of the consequences. Self-censorship has noticeably increased in society. The anniversary of the war has shown that anti-war protests, even small ones, now risk turning into repression. February 2023 became confirmation for many: there will be no more public discourse about the war.