Russia: Marches and rallies nationwide May 1-7

Event

A series of marches and protests will be held across Russia from Tuesday, May 1, through Sunday, May 6. On May 1, trade unions have received authorization to hold rallies in Moscow from 11:00 to 15:00 (local time) to mark International Workers’ Day. According to the US Embassy in Moscow, events have been approved at Kaluzhskaya Square, Bolshaya Yakimanka, Bolshaya Polyanka, Mokhovaya, Maly and Bolshoi Kamenny Most bridges, Okhotny Ryad, and Theater Square. The communist party is also planning to hold a march in the city of Vladivostok’s Central Square.

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny has called for his supporters to hold demonstrations in Moscow on Saturday, May 5, and May 6 prior to President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin on Monday, May 7. The May 5 protest will take place along Tverskaya Street between Belorusskaya Square and Okhotny Ryad. Sunday’s demonstration is scheduled to be held at Revolution Square. Both events are unauthorized by the city government. Localized traffic disruptions and heightened security measures are anticipated in Moscow up to and during Putin’s inauguration. Clashes between demonstrators and police are likely.

Context

Official authorization is required for all protests and other large public gatherings in Russia; police sometimes use force to disperse unauthorized demonstrations. Navalny organized a number of large anti-government rallies in Moscow in late 2017 and early 2018. Putin faced no serious opposition in elections held in March 2018, easily winning a fourth term in office. Prominent opposition leader Navalny was barred from running due to previous arrests.

Advice

Individuals in Russia are advised to avoid any potential protests as a precaution and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.