Explosion of discontent in Bashkiria: protests due to the arrest of an activist

In mid-January 2024, mass protests broke out in the Republic of Bashkortostan - residents of the cities of Baymak and Ufa took to the streets after environmental activist Fail Alsinov was arrested. He received several years in prison on charges that many considered far-fetched. This became a reason: people were indignant - they demanded his release, refusal to be prosecuted under “environmental charges”, and the dismissal of regional officials. Wikipedia The protests lasted several days: rallies, online campaigns, and collective letters to the authorities took place. In response, regional authorities introduced partial restrictions on instant messengers - Telegram and WhatsApp were blocked to slow down coordination. Wikipedia The authorities acted harshly: they detained participants, conducted searches, and brought new charges for “extremism” and “attempts at destabilization.” Many participants subsequently received administrative arrests. This caused fear in society: protesting became dangerous, public citizenship became risky. January 2024 showed: even in remote regions, social discontent can result in protest, but the state apparatus is ready to suppress such outbreaks with lightning speed. For many people, Bashkortostan has become a symbol of the fact that activism is not just words, but a risk.