Russia: Solidarity demonstrations held in Vladivostok July 18 /update 5

Event

A solidarity rally on Saturday, July 18, was held in Vladivostok by social activists in support of the recent arrest of Khabarovsk Krai governor, Sergei Furgal. While the rally was unauthorized, there were no immediate reports of arrests. Local reports state that police used loudspeakers to encourage the crowd to disperse. An estimated 1000 people were reported to have attended the event. In Khabarovsk, an estimated 15,000 strong crowd protested in support of Furgal, with the rally ending in front of the city Mayor's Office. No violence or arrests were reported in Khabarovsk.

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

Context

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 Vladivostok areas, 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.