Post-Election Crackdown: Analyst Beaten in Detention, Tax and Utility Hikes Announced

Russian political analyst Alexander Kynyev was severely beaten during detention, a rare case of brutality against a prominent figure on political charges, occurring days after State Duma elections. Concurrently, authorities announced tax and utility rate increases, signaling a post-election consolidation of control and potential public discontent. The refusal to engage with Kyiv suggests a hardening stance, though details on the tax hikes and talks remain sparse.