Thousands protest in Russia: What does this mean for Putin and Russian politics?

DW News: In Russia, dozens of protesters have been arrested after clashes with riot police in the central region of Bashkortostan.

Thousands of people demonstrated in the town of Baymak after an environmental activist was sentenced to four years in prison for allegedly inciting hatred.

Police used force and tear gas to disperse protesters and several people were injured.
According to Russia’s strict anti-demonstration laws, protesters found guilty of so-called "mass-rioting" could face up to 15 years in prison.