Russia: Opposition rally in Moscow on May 6 /update 1

Event

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

On a related note, another event called the “Festival of Motorcyclists” will take place in Moscow from 09:00 to 12:00 between Prospekt Akademika Sakharova and the VDNKh Exhibition Complex. This event is likely to cause road congestion in the area.

Context

Due to the upcoming Victory Day celebrations on May 9, the police presence in the capital has already been reinforced. The May 6, 2012, protests that Saturday’s march is planned to commemorate saw thousands of people participate before it devolved into violence. Police and protesters clashed in Bolotnaya Square, causing multiple injuries. Commemorations of the protest in subsequent years have also been marred by violence.

Meanwhile, political tensions are high throughout Russia. On April 27, Russia's primary opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was attacked outside of the offices of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). Unidentified attackers threw antiseptic green dye in his face for the second time 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. These 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, smaller 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. It is advised to always carry proper identification papers and to cooperate with local authorities as identity checks are likely to increase during this period. Travelers should be aware that large public gatherings in Europe have been targeted by terrorist attacks in recent years; remain vigilant.