For Putin’s 65th Birthday, a Crackdown on His Opponents -- The Daily Beast

Thursday morning began with a violent police crackdown on Russian opposition activists all over Moscow. Crowds of policemen raided homes, interrogating opposition activists, terrifying children and family members, breaking and confiscating property. All of this, as it happens, took place just two days before Russian President Vladimir Putin turns 65 years old, as if somebody wanted to wrap up loose ends, and make sure nobody could spoil his party. ....
https://www.thedailybeast.com/for-putins-65th-birthday-a-crackdown-on-his-opponents