Russia: Protest reported in Khabarovsk on November 14 /update 20

Event

Around 1000 people gathered in the eastern city of Khabarovsk on Saturday, November 14, for anti-Kremlin protests over the arrest of former Khabarovsk Krai governor Sergei Furgal. Protesters peacefully marched with posters demanding the release of Furgal and chanting anti-Putin slogans. There were no reports of injuries or arrests during the protest. Future protests are likely in the city in the medium term.

A heightened security presence and localized travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

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.