Protests in Russia - 3rd February 2021

In Russia, there has been a second weekend of protests in over 100 cities. The protestors are angry about the arrest of Alexei Navalny.

Navalny is a politician who fights corruption. He wants to make sure life in Russia is fair.

In 2020, he almost died after someone poisoned him. He was given a dangerous chemical which made him very ill. The chemical is called Novichok. It is made by the Russian government. Some people believe the Russian government tried to kill Navalny with the Novichok.

Navalny had to spend a long time in hospital in Germany. After he returned to Russia, the police arrested him at the airport.

Angry Russians went onto the streets to protest against his arrest. Police closed 7 metro stations in Moscow to stop the protestors. Around 5000 people were arrested. Police also arrested Navalny's wife and brother.

Many people protested outside the jail where police are keeping the politician. Navalny may spend many years in prison.