‘700 arrests’ as Russians fight call-up of civilians
PROTESTS continued in Russia yesterday as anger grew over the controversial mobilisation of 300,000 civilian troops.
Around 700 people were arrested in Moscow and across the country on Saturday as President Vladimir Putin doubled the punishment for soldiers who desert or disobey orders.
It came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian soldiers who surrender will be treated in a “civilised manner”.
During his nightly address, he appealed to Russians to flee or surrender once they reached the front rather than risk being tried as a war criminal after the conflict.
He said: “It is better to surrender to Ukrainian captivity than to be killed by the strikes of our weapons.”
Unsanctioned rallies are banned under Russian law and human rights group OVD-Info, based in the country, reported that 700 people were arrested on Saturday alone.
Putin’s new law means Russians who desert, refuse to fight, disobey orders or surrender face 10 years in prison. His moves are widely seen as an attempt to regain the initiative after his forces suffered big setbacks on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Kremlin efforts to hold referendums in the disputed areas of Ukraine continue.
Worried residents have reported soldiers going door-to-door to collect votes.
It also emerged Russian crooks stole the personal details of the Duchess of York, Jeremy Clarkson and Sir David Attenborough after hacking into the database of luxury food firm Daylesford.
The King’s cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, and tennis star Tim Henman are among other celebrity clients affected.