Russian citizens prove they’re sick of the corruption under Putin’s rule and hope to incite change through protests. However, Russia isn’t quite the ‘free speech’ Nation that protesters rely upon in order to make a change. This was solidified by the brutal treatment of the protesters and mass arrests. Including the arrest of Anti-Putin opposition leader, Alexei Navalny.

According to CBS News, Russians angered by the impending inauguration of Vladimir Putin to a new term as president protested Saturday in scores of cities across the country — and police responded by reportedly arresting nearly 1,600 of them, including protest organizer Alexei Navalny, the anti-corruption campaigner who is Putin’s most prominent foe. Police seized Navalny by the arms and legs and carried the thrashing activist from Moscow’s Pushkin Square, where thousands were gathered for an unauthorized protest.

As Reported By The BBC:

He (Alexei Navalny) was barred from running for president against Mr Putin this year because of a conviction for embezzlement, which he denies, saying the case against him was politically motivated.

He has been arrested at protests on numerous occasions before, and is typically held for a few weeks before being released.

Reports say he was forced to stay at a secret location on Friday night in order to make it to the Moscow rally at all.

When the Moscow city authorities warned people of possible “negative consequences” of taking part in unsanctioned rallies on Saturday, Mr Navalny tweeted back: “And I would like to warn everyone of the negative consequences of non-participation in the rallies.”

“If you stay at home, Putin’s gang will tear the country apart and deprive you personally of a future,” he said.

Reports of injuries and arrests are still pouring in. We will keep you updated as the story unfolds. American protesters have no idea how bad it could be.