Some protesters defied the Russian authorities on Sunday (June 4th) to celebrate the birthday of Alexei Navalny, his third spent behind bars. The 47-year-old Russian opponent says he is keeping his spirits up despite harsher detention conditions, including complete isolation.
At least 45 people were arrested Sunday by police in several Russian cities, mainly Moscow and St. Petersburg, during actions in support of Navalny for his birthday. In March 2021, he was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of "fraud" that he considers fictitious.