Fail Alsynov, a rights activist in Russia's Bashkortostan, was sentenced to four years in a penal colony for inciting ethnic hatred. Clashes erupted between his supporters and police, with tear gas fired and arrests made. Alsynov was accused of insulting migrant workers during a protest against gold mining plans. His supporters claim the case is revenge for earlier successful protests against soda mining. Alsynov, a leader of the banned Bashkort movement, asserted his innocence and thanked supporters.