Page 35 - RusRPTAug21

Russians view imprisoned opposition figure Alexey Navalny and his activities in an increasingly negative light with many approving of the court’s decision to designate his organizations as extremist, according to the Levada Centre. The percentage of Russians who approve of Navalny has dropped from 20% in September 2020 to 14% in June 2021. The number of those who disapprove of the Western-backed protest leader increased from 50% to 62% over the same period. Navalny was found to be most popular in the age group 18-34 (24%), with just 8% of those over 55 supporting the activist. The survey also found that 32% of Russians support the decision of the courts to designate Navalny’s structures as ‘extremist,’ with just 27% disapproving. Another 41% were indifferent or had no answer, the poll revealed. Among those who declared support for President Vladimir Putin, an even higher percentage (40%) said they agree with the extremist label.
35 RUSSIA Country Report August 2021 www.intellinews.com