>Russia is an authoritarian state where open dissent with the government has repeatedly resulted in being imprisoned or assassinated. It's very easy to say "just go outside and hold a demonstration" from the comfort of a democracy, but I don't blame anyone for putting their own safety first even if they disagree with Putin's government.

If 50% of the populace hits the streets. The police are literally incapable of doing anything. Yes, they could even spark a civil war, but the alternative is the ongoing disaster of Russia.