Russia: Opposition rally in Moscow on May 6

Event

An opposition rally planned in Moscow on Saturday, May 6, has been banned by the Russian government. The demonstration was called for to commemorate a large anti-government anti-corruption protest that was held on May 6, 2012. The gathering is still scheduled to begin at 13:00 (local time) and protestors will attempt to march on Sakharov Avenue, from Sadovaya-Spasskaya to Boulevard ring. Up to 10,000 participants could still attend the rally.

Security will be tight in the capital and clashes between demonstrators and the police or rival groups cannot be ruled out. Localized traffic disruptions may also occur.

Context

On May 6, 2012, thousands of people staged an anti-government protest which devolved into violence. Police and protestors clashed in Bolotnaya Square, causing multiple injuries. Commemorations of the protest in following years have also been marred by violence.

Political tensions are high throughout Russia. On April 27, Russia's primary opposition leader Alexeï Navalny was attacked outside of the offices of the Anti-Corruption Fund (FBK). Unidentified attackers threw antiseptic green dye in his face; he received treatment at the hospital. This is the second time he has had the dye thrown in his face this year.

Navalny and hundreds of other demonstrators were arrested in anti-corruption protests that brought tens of thousands of people to the streets of cities across Russia on March 26. The demonstrations were the largest coordinated protests in Russia since 2012 and in central Moscow alone, some 700 protesters were allegedly arrested for participating in the event. Navalny spent 15 days in prison following the protests. Police and military security personnel responded to the protests in Moscow and elsewhere with barricades and tear gas; some violent clashes between police and protestors were reported in the capital. Additional protests have occurred in the intervening weeks.

Advice

Individuals present in Russia are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of public gatherings. Travelers should be aware that large public gatherings have been targeted by terrorist attacks in Europe in recent years; remain vigilant.