Press release
Russia: International spotlight on tomorrow’s protests
ARTICLE 19
03 Feb 2012
ARTICLE 19 calls on the Russian authorities to respect, protect and fulfil the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and allow protesters to demonstrate without interference from the authorities tomorrow, 4 February.
‘Tomorrow will be one of the biggest tests in Russian democratic history. Past demonstrations have seen government officials denying so-called protest “permits”, police arresting and beating up demonstrators, and judges overseeing unfair trials’, said Dr Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director. ‘Peaceful protest has been recognized as a vital part of democracy. The Russian Government must not interfere with the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly that are exercised through peaceful protest.’
Ahead of planned demonstrations on 4 February, which are likely to attract thousands of demonstrators, ARTICLE 19 calls on the Russian authorities not to restrict the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Russian Constitution under .
Mass demonstrations were held on 24 December throughout the Russian Federation, calling for the annulment of the results of the parliamentary elections held earlier that month. Although the biggest demonstration, held in Moscow that day, did not see police violence or mass arrests, demonstrations in other cities and previous rallies did.
According to reports, at least four demonstrations are planned for 4 February in Moscow, by both opposition and pro-government groups. For the main rally, more than 27,000 participants have signed up via Facebook as of midday on 3 February.
The main demands of the protestors include: the release of all political prisoners; the annulment of the parliamentary elections and holding new elections; a criminal investigation into electoral fraud and the sacking of the head of the Central Elections Commission; and new legislation for the registration of political parties.
The main focus of both national and international attention have been the demonstrations in Moscow, however demonstrations are planned nationwide.
ARTICLE 19 urges the Russian authorities to exercise utmost restraint in relation to these demonstrations, both in Moscow and elsewhere, in particular, refrain from repression, cease the use of force and arrests of peaceful demonstrators.
