Russia: Protesters forcefully dispersed in Arkhangelsk May 27 /update 1

Event

A rally was held in the city of Arkhangelsk on Monday, May 27, to protest the construction of a new landfill near the city. Security guards at the construction site reportedly used force to disperse the crowd to prevent protesters from reaching the area. According to activists, two people were hospitalized, and another two demonstrators were detained by the police. Further protests are likely in the coming days and weeks, along with clashes between protesters and security forces.

Context

According to media reports, this is the third time that demonstrators have been beaten by guards or police officers during rallies in the month of May. Similar protests have been held since August 2018, shortly after construction of the new landfill began. The waste deposit will reportedly handle approximately 6 percent of the total volume of household waste produced in Moscow. Conservationists claim the facility will cause significant damage to the environment and contaminate local wetlands.

Advice

Individuals in Arkhangelsk are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.