Russian Region Head Blames 'Separatists' as Protests Escalate

The governor of Russia’s Bashkortostan blamed separatists living abroad for provoking violence between protesters and police, following clashes over the imprisonment of activist Fayil Alsynov. At least 40 people were injured as authorities launched criminal cases into what they described as mass riots and violence against law enforcement officials. The governor accused Alsynov and his allies of stoking separatist feelings, while also suggesting that officials were partly to blame for the unrest. Alsynov, who denies charges of inciting ethnic hatred, was sentenced to four years in prison, and six protesters were jailed for violating protest rules.