Rare violent protests in Russia after anti-war activist jailed

Russians have clashed with riot police in a rare, large protest after an activist was sentenced to four-years in a penal colony. Fail Alsynov appeared in court on Wednesday accused of making a racist comment in a speech against plans to mine gold in the central Bashkortostan region using migrant workers. Despite temperatures of -20C (-4F), thousands gathered outside the courtroom in Baymak demanding his freedom after the sentence was passed down. Videos shared on social media showed a bus and three heavy police trucks, alongside crowds of protesters who squared up to officers who were holding shields and wearing helmets. #russia #protest #police Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: Get the latest headlines: and are websites of The Telegraph, the UK’s best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.