- Many Russian men fear being transported to the front lines if they participate.
- Staf, who is currently in Montenegro, said, “It felt very dangerous to stay.”
- Female demonstrators in Russia are more susceptible to the danger of sexual violence.
Data from rallies in Russia against President Vladimir Putin’s preparations for the war in Ukraine show that a growing number of detainees are women, as many Russian men fear being transported to the front lines if they participate.
According to court records, more women in Moscow were arrested in connection with the anti-war demonstrations that took place in February and March during the early weeks of the conflict than during prior anti-Putin demonstrations.
On the evening of September 24, 19-year-old Lisa was one of the protesting ladies who made their way to central Moscow. A police officer wearing body armour grabbed her arm and forced her into a van before she could join the mob. She was held in custody for a week.
Following Putin’s announcement three days prior that certain reserve soldiers might be called up to fight in Ukraine, tens of thousands of Russian men fled the country, frequently via detours.
“When the war started, I felt like my future was not happening anymore,” said Lisa, who asked to use only her first name for fear of repercussions. “But I also started feeling guilty for thinking about my own future when people in Ukraine felt much more fear every day.”
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