13 Jun 2019 | 05:03 PM UTC
Russia: Additional protest planned in Moscow June 16 /update 2
Moscow officials agree to allow another protest in the city on June 16; heightened security measures and localized disruptions expected
Event
Moscow city officials have approved a request by activists to hold a rally in the capital on Sunday, June 16. The protest is scheduled to take place on Sakharov Avenue from 13:00 to 15:00 (local time) and no more than 20,000 people will be allowed to attend. Journalist union leaders and civil rights activists are organizing the rally in support of journalist Ivan Golunov, who was released from house arrest on Tuesday, June 11, after drug dealing charges against him were dropped. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around the demonstration. Arrests and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
An unauthorized protest in support of Golunov was held in Moscow on Wednesday, Jun 12, resulting in around 500 people being arrested. Golunov was arrested on June 6 on suspicion of selling drugs and ordered to be under house arrest for two months. Activists claim that the evidence was planted to silence his investigations into corruption.
Advice
Individuals in Moscow are advised to avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of arrest, refrain from discussing political subjects in public or on social media, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate localized disruptions near any protest sites.
