(Photos) Russia Arrests More Than 1500 Citizens Protesting Against Its Invasion Of Ukraine

Russian government authorities have begun arresting anti-war protesters demonstrating against the invasion of Ukraine. 

Russia’s Investigative Committee warned citizens in a statement not to take part in the “unauthorized” protests “associated with the tense foreign political situation”, adding that people should be aware of the “negative legal consequences of these actions,” which it said includes criminal liability.

The statement read; 

“The law provides for severe punishment for organizing mass riots, as well as for resisting law enforcement officers.”

It added that citizens who undertake “such illegal acts may face imprisonment.”  At least 27 organisers and demonstrators have been detained by authorities under Russia’s strict anti-protest laws so far, according to rights monitor OVD-info. 

Videos of protesting Russians taking to the streets in multiple cities, including in St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk, emerged less than a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a war on Ukraine early Thursday. 

Anti-war demonstrations broke out in major cities across the country, including Moscow, where videos show a significant security force deployed to quell dissent, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hometown of St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg.

The Kremlin took aggressive action to stifle the protests. Videos shared on social media show police officers almost immediately arresting anyone participating.

Some 1,745 people in 54 Russian cities were detained Thursday, at least 957 of them in Moscow, according to The Associated Press.

“I know that right now many of you feel desperation, helplessness, shame over Vladimir Putin’s attack on the friendly nation of Ukraine. But I urge you not to despair,” human rights activist Marina Litvinovich said in a video statement on Facebook, calling for mass protests Thursday evening.

“We, the Russian people, are against the war Putin has unleashed. We don’t support this war, it is being waged not on our behalf.”

Russian police detained Litvinovich soon after as she left her Moscow apartment.

“I am embarrassed for my country. To be honest with you, I am speechless. War is always scary. We don’t want this,” Nikita Golubev, a 30-year-old teacher, told The Guardian in Moscow. “Why are we doing this?”

Russians who participate in “unsanctioned protests” such as these do so at significant personal risk, including jail time and substantial fines.

The Telegraph’s Russia correspondent Nataliya Vasilyeva said protesters have been taken away “indiscriminately” and that she was briefly detained despite repeatedly saying she was a journalist.

The vibe in Moscow pic.twitter.com/2uuiNjfjfI— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) February 24, 2022

pic.twitter.com/0n9z8sboB3— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@Nat_Vasilyeva) February 24, 2022

Pushkin Square, maybe less than 1000 meters from Red Square and the Kremlin, is the cite of a significant protest. These people know the risks of challenging the regime. They’re on the street in-spite of major personal costs. pic.twitter.com/bYEfbO91xG— Alexander S. Vindman (@AVindman) February 24, 2022

Leaving Pushkin, we saw small groups of protesters around downtown Moscow, some briefly chanting “no to war” before police find them. 523+ arrested. But probably not more than a few thousand came out in a city of 15 million. There’s no speech without fear now. (Vid @AvtozakLIVE) pic.twitter.com/uyWs5Uaolx— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) February 24, 2022

Scattered groups of protesters. Several hundred now. Police snatch out those chanting “No to war” pic.twitter.com/02foxCYHj6— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@Nat_Vasilyeva) February 24, 2022

St. #Petersburg now pic.twitter.com/ppYjyPWVhe— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) February 24, 2022

 pic.twitter.com/lsOkKTWFvd— (@novaya_gazeta) February 24, 2022