"Rural Russia Protests: Supporters Rally in Capital for Jailed Activist"

Hundreds of people rallied in Russia's Bashkortostan republic in support of jailed activist Fail Alsynov, who is seen as a hero by many ethnic Bashkir people for his advocacy of their language, culture, and rights. Alsynov was sentenced to four years in a penal colony for stirring ethnic hatred, a charge his supporters believe is delayed revenge for his successful environmental campaign. The rare protests have put pressure on regional leader Radiy Khabirov, with concerns over the disproportionate number of ethnic minority men from Bashkortostan being sent to fight in Ukraine. The unrest reflects deep grievances among the ethnic minority and grassroots activism that the Kremlin does not tolerate.