01 August 2009, 16:11
Opposition rally dispersed in Astrakhan
Today, the Astrakhan militia has dispersed a rally of oppositionists, who gathered near the monument to victims of political repressions with posters: "Article 31 of the Constitution: right to speak and meet openly!", "You are personally wanted. Get out to streets, citizens!"
The protest action was not sanctioned by local authorities. It had 10 participants, mainly, members of "The Other Russia", as reported by the Internet edition named "Zavtra" (Tomorrow).
The city administration gave no permit to the rally at the monument and recommended the oppositionists to gather in some less crowded place. The militia that arrived in half an hour at first asked the protesters to disperse peacefully. The refused, insisting that they did not break any public order, as reported by the "Gazeta.Ru".
After refusal of the activists to stop the action, militiamen started to detain the picketers by using violence. Alexander, a candidate to the post of Astrakhan Mayor, was the first detainee.
Together with 10 oppositionists, passers-by were put into militia cars, including a woman with a child of three, as reported by the participants. All of them were also brought to the Kirov ROVD, as reported by the "Kasparov.Ru".
See earlier report: "Krasnodar, Sochi and Astrakhan took part in All-Russian "Day of Anger".
