Russia: Massive pro-Putin campaign rally in Moscow March 3

Event

A campaign rally for the re-election of President Vladimir Putin was held in Moscow on Saturday, March 3. Police officials estimated that 130,000 people gathered at the Luzhniki stadium in support of Putin in the upcoming presidential election. Further rallies are likely in the coming days leading up to the vote on March 18. Opposition demonstrations may also take place in Moscow and other major cities, which sometimes results in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Context

Putin is running for his fourth term as president. He faces little opposition in the upcoming election as opposition leader Aleksi Navalny has been barred from running due to previous arrests. Navalny has organized a series of protests against the election in recent months. Opposition leaders are calling for a boycott of the vote.

Advice

Individuals present in Russia are advised to avoid all demonstrations as violence can break out with little to no warning.