Russia: Opposition rallies reported in Moscow, other cities June 23 /update 3

Event

The Libertarian Party of Russia is holding rallies across Russia in support of journalist Ivan Golunov on Sunday, June 23. Protesters in Moscow have reportedly gathered on Sakharov Avenue as of 17:00 (local time), with some arrests reported. Additional rallies have been reported in Kaliningrad and Nizhny Novgorod, among other urban centers.

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 June 12 resulted 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; he was later released on June 11 due to lack of evidence. 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.