Protests in Support of Alexei Navalny

Memorial to the Victims of Political Repression Square, Tula
January 23 and 31, 2021

CONTEXT

After Alexei Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021, protests demanding his release took place across the country. Demonstrations were also held in Tula.

Local authorities warned residents and journalists about the possible consequences of participating in “unauthorized” public gatherings. On January 23, about 150 people came to the Memorial to the Victims of Political Repression square in Tula. Roughly the same number of police officers were deployed to disperse them.

The protesters stood quietly, without banners or slogans. Police in helmets and body armor began detaining people one by one. On January 31, it all happened again.

I was there as a journalist. These photographs document what happened that day.

January 2021. Police are detaining protesters in Tula. A loudspeaker repeats official warnings as participants are taken to police buses:

“Attention, citizens! In accordance with the decree of the Governor of the Tula Region, all public, entertainment, and recreational events are prohibited in the region until January 28. Under Federal Law No. 54, a public event may not be held in locations where there is a threat to the safety of its participants. A citizen against whom administrative proceedings have been initiated may be subject to administrative detention for up to 48 hours.”