Russia: Increased security likely at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport into late Jan. 17 following arrival of political opposition leader /update 1

Event

Heavy security is likely at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) into late Jan. 17 following the arrival of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Navalny's plane, which was originally slated to land at the city's Vnukovo Airport (VKO), was rerouted to SVO by authorities at the last minute; the aircraft touched down at about 2012. The opposition figure has returned to Russia after having spent several months in Germany recovering from alleged nerve agent poisoning.

Although there has been no official comment regarding the move, authorities almost certainly diverted Navalny's flight as a means to thwart opposition activists' efforts to demonstrate upon his arrival. About 600 of Navalny's supporters had gathered at VKO in the hours leading up to his anticipated arrival; a heavy police presence deployed inside and around the facility, with officers arresting several activists and removing them from the airport.

According to preliminary reports, law enforcement authorities had a warrant for Navalny's arrest and planned to take him into custody upon his arrival; however, it remains unclear as yet whether they have actually done so.

Given the distance between the two facilities, it is unlikely that Navalny's supporters will be able to relocate from Vnukovo to Sheremetyevo and assemble there before he has departed the airport. Nevertheless, security forces will likely remain at the scene as a precaution and could disperse any gatherings that may materialize. Security-related ground transport disruptions are possible in the vicinity of VKO and SVO through the evening of Jan. 17.

Advice

Allow extra travel time to arrive at the airport and to clear security if transiting VKO or SVO through the evening of Jan. 17. Strictly heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of any confrontation.