Russia: Mass protest to denounce Rohingya persecution in Grozny September 4

Event

Local and social media are reporting a mass rally in Grozny, the capital city of the Chechen Republic, as of 11:30 (local time) to denounce the plight of the Rohingya community. Organizers claim over a million people have gathered in the center although satellite images suggest that 20,000 to 30,000 are currently demonstrating. 

Residual transport disruptions, notably traffic congestion, may occur in the center of Grozny.

A similar protest was held on Sunday in front of the Myanmar embassy in Moscow. Some 800 people reportedly gathered, urging the Burmese government to put an end to the ongoing persecution. Although no violence was reported, some 20 police cars and hundreds of policemen were deployed to maintain public order. 

Context

Myanmar security forces have been carrying out brutal retaliatory attacks on the Rohingya community after the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Rohingya insurgent group, launched a series of coordinated attacks on various police posts on August 24.

The current clashes and ensuing government crackdown are the result of months of simmering violence and ethnic tensions between the Myanmar Buddhist majority and Rohingya Muslim minority. The ongoing persecution of the latter has drawn widespread international criticism and continues to be condemned by human rights groups amid accusations of ethnic cleansing.

Advice

Individuals in Grozny, and in Russia more generally, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.