Another arrest is over.
For some reason, they didn’t want to release me directly from the special detention center. At noon they took me to the Konkovo police station, supposedly to “release me after a preventive talk.” They didn’t let me warn anyone (sorry to those who came to meet me).
And I had no money, no keys, no phone.
Jumping over a metro turnstile would have been awkward. The last thing I needed was a headline like: “Presidential candidate Navalny released from custody, only to be detained again—this time by metro inspectors for fare evasion.”
On the way, I even came up with a plan for getting home, codenamed “Destitute Celebrity.” I decided I’d stand by Belyayevo metro station as if I were waiting for someone. Then I’d ask the first person who recognized me and wanted a photo to buy me a metro ticket.
As it turned out, I didn’t need it. At exactly 2:28 p.m. (after the preventive talk!) they released me. A police major at the station let me call Yulia from his phone, and the head of the detention center walked me to the metro and bought me a ticket.
I’m incredibly happy to be back with you.
Thank you to everyone who supported me. Thank you to everyone who came out to the rallies on the 26th. Every protester arrested at the rally whom I met in the exercise yard said they would definitely come to the next demonstration. The Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) is still working, despite the attempt to smash it up and confiscate all its equipment. Regional campaign offices were opening just fine without me.
Awesome. You’re all wonderful.