In a controversial ruling, activist Alsynov, whose successful campaign against limestone mining garnered attention in 2020, has been convicted and imprisoned in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The conviction stems from a speech he delivered at a rally opposing illegal gold mining, where he raised concerns about the loss of local lands in Bashkortostan. This has led to accusations of insult towards workers from the Caucasus and Central Asia, although Alsynov maintains that his words were mistranslated.

The conviction has triggered backlash, with local activists viewing it as retaliation by Governor Radiy Khabirov, a former Kremlin official, for Alsynov's previous campaign. Khabirov, known for his ties to President Putin, had previously banned limestone extraction on the sacred Kushtau massif following intense protests. Protests in support of Alsynov have erupted, leading to a criminal case being opened for "mass rioting" in Baymak. The number of detentions varies according to independent Russian media reports.

Authorities in Bashkortostan have taken preemptive measures by blocking roads to Baymak and reportedly causing difficulties for WhatsApp users in the region, fueling speculation of attempts to suppress the protests. This has further fueled concerns about the government's grip on the region and the potential challenges it poses for Khabirov.

Abbas Gallyamov, a former administration official and political scientist, highlights the significance of these protests, calling them a "colossal problem" and a failure for Governor Khabirov. These events add to a list of challenges faced by the Kremlin, including inflation, regional conflicts, and widespread outages due to boiler accidents, as Russia prepares for Putin's reelection campaign.

Alsynov plans to appeal his conviction, vowing to continue fighting for justice, his people, and the republic. As protests persist, the situation in Bashkortostan remains tense, with concerns over the potential consequences for civil liberties, political stability, and the influence of regional governors in Russia.