Thousands behind bars for opposing Putin's war: Russia's dissent crackdown
Over 20,000 people. That's the number of residents in Russia who might have been imprisoned due to protests or anti-war stances that conflicted with the authorities. From the onset of the invasion of Ukraine, Putin's regime has forcefully combated any dissent against its decisions.
The war in Ukraine has stretched over two years. During this period, significant changes occurred in both Ukraine and Russia. Yet, what remains constant is Putin's Russia punishing citizens daring to oppose the war's escalation. It is estimated that up to 20,000 people could have been arrested for such reasons.
Mostly, those currently in prison were arrested at the war's outset in Ukraine. That period saw a massive wave of protests across Russian cities, which, although not as widespread as those from 2014, still caught the attention of Western observers.
Russia: 15 years in prison for opposing the war
The extent of punishments in Putin's Russia is staggering. For local police, even the slightest indication of disapproval of the military actions can serve as a pretext for harsh arrests. Especially at the beginning of the invasion in 2022, dissent was widespread.
But the authorities in Russia swiftly altered the law, banning criticism of the armed forces or the so-called "special military operation," as Putin's supporters refer to the war in Ukraine.
In reaction to these events, Russia also quickly enacted a law legitimizing police brutality. Under this law, individuals "discrediting" the Russian army and its actions face up to 15 years in prison.
As a result, many Russians are now incarcerated, sharing cells with murderers or thieves. A significant number of these prisoners are young and educated.
Those who manage to evade the "justice" system, find themselves out of jobs or expelled from educational institutions. Enforcing this regulation often involves imposing hefty financial penalties as well.
Consequently, many who disagree with the Kremlin's actions opt for silence. They see no alternative, as any form of dissent is ruthlessly suppressed by the authorities—precisely what President Vladimir Putin intended.
