Russian Police Arrest Opposition Leader Navalny Ahead of Protest

On Monday, June 12, Russian police arrested Alexei Navalny, the leader of the opposition against Vladimir Putin, as he was leaving his home to participate in an anti-government protest in Moscow. According to Reuters, Mr. Navalny's wife announced his arrest on social media and urged opponents to hold their protests regardless. The opposition leader, who is among the candidates to challenge Putin in the upcoming presidential election, had called for widespread protests in Moscow and other cities against what he termed the 'corrupt ruling system' under President Vladimir Putin. Yulia, Mr. Navalny's wife, wrote on social media: 'Alexei was arrested in the hallway of our building. He asked me to tell you that the plans (for the protests) have not changed.' Reuters reported seeing a police vehicle quickly leaving the area where Navalny's apartment is located. A spokesperson for the opposition leader in Russia also stated that the electricity in Mr. Navalny's office was cut off simultaneously with his arrest. Reports indicate that hundreds of riot police and soldiers are on standby around the designated protest area on Tverskaya Street in central Moscow. Russian officials have declared that this protest is illegal. Reuters added that it has seen police arrest several protesters as they exited a metro station near the protest site. According to the report, the level of protests will indicate whether Navalny can replicate a similar success from March of this year when thousands took to the streets of Russia. The March protests were the largest of their kind since the anti-Kremlin demonstrations in 2012, during which over a thousand people were arrested. These protests have put unprecedented pressure on Putin, who intends to run again in the Russian presidential election next year and win. Russian officials had granted permission for the protest to be held in a location far from central Moscow. However, Mr. Navalny stated late Sunday that Russian authorities pressured companies not to provide audio and video equipment to him and his allies, an action aimed at humiliating the protesters. He said this is why he moved the protest location to Tverskaya, the main street near the Kremlin. However, the Russian Attorney General's office warned that holding protests in this location is illegal, and police have the authority to 'use all means to prevent disorder.' Police have installed barriers along Tverskaya Street, and individuals can only enter the street by passing through designated gates. Reports indicate that a long line of people has formed to enter this street, which is simultaneously hosting an art festival.