Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has called for an election day protest against President Vladimir Putin. As part of the protest, people should form long queues at polling stations on 17 March at midday, Ms Navalnaya said.
Ms Navalnaya’s husband died suddenly at a Russian penal colony on 16 February. She has blamed Mr Putin for his death. Her call for a polling day protest has been dubbed “Midday against Putin”.
Russia’s presidential election – which most international observers do not believe will be free or fair – will take place from 15 to 17 March. Mr Putin is widely expected to win a fifth term in office.
Ms Navalnaya said turning up at polling stations at the same time was a “very simple and safe action” that could not be prohibited by the authorities, but would allow like-minded people to “see that there are many of us and we are strong”.
The idea of a midday gathering at polling stations was put forward by Navalny two weeks before his death.
Credit: bbc.com
