Russia: Demonstrations continue in Khabarovsk July 13 /update 2

Event

Protesters gathered in Khabarovsk for a third consecutive day on Monday, July 13, in an unauthorized rally in support of the Khabarovsk Krai's governor, Sergei Furgal. According to media sources, demonstrators gathered in central Lenin Square and marched along the Muravyov-Amursky Street sidewalk towards Komsomolskaya Square. Monday's rally was seemingly smaller than the demonstrations held over the weekend, which saw up to 40,000 attendees, and remained peaceful in nature. Smaller rallies were also held in the military industrial city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur and other towns in the region.

Further associated protests are likely in the near term.

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 which enable President Vladimir Putin to seek two further terms in office. On Saturday, July 11, between 5000 and 40,000 protesters gathered in Khabarovsk, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Bikin, and Amursk in support of Furgal.

Advice

Those in the Khabarovsk region, 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.