In a rare public demonstration, upwards of 14,000 Russians in the city of Vyacheslav Shport took to the streets to protest the arrest of popular Governor Sergei Furgal. To many, this protest was also a demonstration against Putin. Furgal won the 2018 gubernatorial election beating the Putin-backed incumbent Vyacheslav Shport. Furgal made a big stir in his 2018 election being one of several upset victories for the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia and the Communist Party.

At the time analysts wondered whether the Kremlin would allow these candidates to serve out their terms unbothered or find some way to suppress them.  To most, it was not a matter of if but when and how Putin would silence these newly minted governors. Shortly after the election, the Kremlin moved the capital away from Khabarovsk to Vladivostok.  Many see Furgal’s arrest as an attempt by the Kremlin to reclaim control over Khabarovsk.

The day of retribution

On July 9th, Khabarovsk was arrested on charges of murder. He was subsequently sent to Moscow for trial. Protests subsequently followed. Local officials have given no official numbers, but estimates place the number of protesters between 10,000- 30,000. Protesters have peaceful and masks were made available by police officers.

Following a recent referendum in which 78% of Russians approved extending Putin’s term limits, protestors in Khabarovsk Krait have taken to streets in opposition. Signs reading “Putin must go!” were seen among other signs expressing their support for Furgal.

These protests were the largest in the cities history and follow other large demonstrations in response to the constitutional amendment. These protests are rare signs of opposition in a country that usually is quick to quell dissent, but most do not see recent protests as posing any threat to the Putin regime. Rather, they serve as a form of controlled opposition.

The Kremlin’s Response

Thus far, the Kremlin has taken a hands-off approach in the area, but special envoy to the Far East Yuri Trutnev demanded the protests stop. Fugal also issued a statement through his lawyer asking for protests to stop, but to many of his supporters, that message was nothing more than a manipulating message from Moscow.

The Kremlin has yet to fully crackdown on the region fearing it would provoke a backlash and only serve to weaken Putin’s influence and control over the region. Fears still remain that if the situation escalates, Putin will use force to end the protests.

Despite these fears , protests have occurred every day this week, and Furgal’s supporters have not been deterred in their efforts. Their disobedience is part of a larger trend of Russia’s Eastern territories being more resistant to the Kremlin’s authority.

Protests are expected to continue into the next week with many observers wondering what the Kremlin’s next move is.