Russia: Demonstrations continue in Khabarovsk July 22 /update 9

Event

Hundreds gathered in protest in Khabarovsk on Wednesday, July 22, as part of continued protests against the arrest of ex-Khabarovsk Krai governor, Sergei Furgal, and against current President Vladimir Putin. Demonstrators reportedly gathered in central Lenin Square. No clashes occurred on Wednesday, although a heightened security presence was reported. 

A similar rally was held in the city on Tuesday, July 21. 

Further protests are likely in the near term, and associated disruptions are to be expected.

Context

Russia's president Vladimir Putin appointed Mikhail Degtyaryov as governor of the Khabarovsk region on Monday, July 20. Degtyaryov is from the same party as Furgal.

Sergei Fugal was arrested on July 9 under suspicion of involvement in the murders of three businessmen between 2004 and 2005. Opposition groups have questioned why Furgal has been arrested 15 years after the crimes he is accused of and claimed that Furgal's detention is linked to a crackdown on the opposition following the recent vote on constitution reforms that enable President Vladimir Putin to seek two further terms in office. 

Advice

Those in the Khabarovsk, and Russia more generally, 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 disruption near any protest sites.