Russia: Siberian independence rally stifled amid heavy police presence, arrests
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 17 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Siberian independence rally stifled amid heavy police presence, arrests, 17 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003f115.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 17, 2014
By RFE/RL
A Siberian independence rally appears to have been blocked in Russia's third-largest city, Novosibirsk.
Journalists and Twitter users in the city say as few as 40 people turned out for the march, which had been banned by city authorities for calling for a federalized Siberian Republic with greater autonomy from Moscow.
A beefed-up police presence was reported at the site.
Police in a second Siberian city, Omsk, reportedly closed off a central square to prevent protesters from gathering there.
Rally organizers say the federalization proposal, which would bring three-fourths of Russia's land mass under greater Siberian control, is no different than the plan backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in eastern Ukraine.
Several Siberian activists were arrested in the run-up to the scheduled march, including organizer Konstantin Yeremenko.
Activists say they have been subject to intimidation and threats in the days leading up to the march.
Based on reporting by rustelegraf.ru, ovdinfo.org, [email protected]
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
