Protests Escalate in Bashkortostan: Activist's Arrest Sparks Outcry

Open protests and clashes with police have erupted in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan, triggered by the sentencing of a nationalist to prison, with demands for his release and the leader's resignation. Some fear this unrest poses a threat to Moscow, while others believe that revolutions in Russia stem from a split in state leadership and a rapid deterioration in socio-economic conditions. However, it is doubted that the unrest will spread, as Russians lack the means and morale to fight, and tend to blame their problems on local figures while still supporting Putin.