Russia: Police arrest dozens amid ongoing anti-government protests in Khabarovsk October 10 /update 19

Event

Police arrested 25 demonstrators in Khabarovsk on Saturday, October 10, as anti-government demonstrations continue in the Far East over the arrest of former Khabarovsk Krai governor Sergei Furgal and President Vladimir Putin's management of a regional political crisis. Reports indicate that authorities raided protest tents in a central square, and video footage reportedly shows riot police dispersing demonstrators. There have been no immediate reports of casualties resulting from the security forces' intervention.

A heightened security presence and localized travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all demonstrations. Demonstrations are likely to continue in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Fugal was arrested on July 9 under suspicion of involvement in the murders of three businessmen between 2004 and 2005 and weekly rallies have been held since. 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 constitutional reforms that enable President Vladimir Putin to seek two further terms in office. The protests have also aimed to denounce policies from a detached Moscow that residents of the Far East feel are ineffective for a region they see as largely neglected by mainstream politics.

Advice

Those in Khabarovsk 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.