‘Putin’s biggest fear is people rallying in the streets’

As Alexey Navalny languishes in jail, observers say a broad range of political opponents is being targeted.

In recent months, Violetta Grudina has been assaulted, fined and her apartment windows have been shot at from what appears to be a pump rifle. Someone broke into her office, painted swastikas on the walls and damaged the furniture. Her home address was publicised in slanderous leaflets. “A gang of non-humans luring our children to homosexuality and other indecencies has emerged in our calm northern city,” said the anonymous leaflet, which her neighbours received.