In a disturbing turn of events, Russian authorities have detained several individuals, including journalists from foreign press organizations, during a protest at Russian President Vladimir Putin's election headquarters in Moscow. The demonstration, organized by the wives of mobilized men who are demanding the return of their husbands and sons from fighting in Ukraine, escalated into a crackdown by security forces.

Video footage obtained by CNN reveals Russian authorities detaining multiple people wearing "Press" vests near Red Square. The protest, known as the "500 days of mobilization" rally, began outside the Kremlin before moving towards Putin's nearby election headquarters, as reported by independent Russian news outlet SOTAvision.

According to OVD-info, a group that monitors Russian repression, at least 27 individuals, including journalists working for Kommersant, France Press, and Spiegel, as well as human rights activists, were taken into custody. Another seven journalists covering the rally were also brought to the Basmanny police station.

SOTAvision's correspondent witnessed security forces "snatching random people from the crowd, and only men," indicating a targeted approach in the detentions. OVD-info reported that the detainees were transferred to Kitay-Gorod station, where they are currently being held. The group attempted to send a lawyer to visit the detainees, but access was denied.

Notably, one state media employee and three minors have been released from Kitay-Gorod, as reported by OVD-info on their Telegram channel. However, the fate of the remaining detainees, including the foreign journalists, remains uncertain. The police reportedly informed the released individuals that they planned to release the rest of the federal and foreign media employees, while keeping the "foreign agents" media representatives in custody. Additionally, all detainees had their phones confiscated.

The crackdown on journalists and activists comes in the context of Russia's expanded foreign agents law, which now includes individuals or groups deemed to have "received support and (or) is under foreign influence." Critics argue that this move by the Kremlin aims to silence those critical of its actions in Ukraine, including journalists.

The international community has expressed concern over the detentions, calling for the immediate release of the journalists and activists held by Russian authorities. As the situation continues to unfold, organizations advocating for press freedom and human rights are closely monitoring developments in Moscow.