28 Jan 2018 | 01:17 PM UTC
Russia: Opposition rallies in 90 cities January 28 /update 2
Opposition rallies to take place across Russia on January 28; clashes possible
Event
Rallies associated with opposition politician Aleksei Navalny will be held in 90 towns and cities on Sunday, January 28, in support of a boycott of Russia's March presidential election. Cities where demonstrations are currently planned include:
- Moscow: beginning at 14:00 (local time) on Tverskaya Street
- St. Petersburg: beginning at 14:00 near the UK Consulate on Ploshchad Proletarskoy Diktatury
- Yekaterinburg: beginning at 14:00 at Uralets sports center and proceeding to the intersection of Bolshakova and 8th of March streets until 18:00
- Vladivostok: beginning at 14:00 at Central Square
With the exception of the march in Yekaterinburg, the rallies have not been approved by local authorities. Localized transportation disruptions are possible and clashes between demonstrators and police are likely.
Context
Official authorization is required for all protests and other large public gatherings in Russia; police sometimes use force to disperse unauthorized demonstrations. During nationwide opposition protests organized by Navalny in October, police arrested at least 260 people and reportedly dispersed protesters with tear gas.
Navalny is a well-known anti-corruption activist, and announced in December 2016 that he would run for president in 2018. However, on December 25, 2017, Russia's electoral commission officially barred him from running due to previous arrests. Despite warnings that he would be banned from participating in the election, Navalny has campaigned throughout the year, holding rallies across the country that have drawn thousands of people.
Advice
Individuals present in Russia are advised to avoid all demonstrations as violence can break out with little to no warning.
