Press Release, 27.09.2023

Photo: Police in the office of the Saratov branch of Yabloko / Photo by the Saratov Yabloko

An official caution on the inadmissibility of actions that create conditions for the commission of crimes under Article 20.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (violation of the established procedure for organising or holding a meeting, rally, demonstration, procession or picketing) was received by the Deputy Chairman of the Saratov branch of Yabloko, Kirill Rumyantsev. Two police officers came to the office of the Saratov branch of Yabloko today to warn about the illegality of holding an action of writing letters to political prisoners, which was announced for 30 September. According to the police, the action of writing letters in the office represent a public event about which executive authorities must be notified.

According to Kirill Rumyantsev, he was the only one in the office when the police arrived, so it was he who was given the official caution. In addition, the policemen also issued a caution on the inadmissibility of violation of Federal Law No 54 “On meetings, rallies, demonstrations, processions and picketing” and Federal Law No 114 “On countering extremist activities” in connection with an on 25 March, 2023. After Rumyantsev pointed out an error in the document to the police, they took the document away with them.

The Saratov branch of Yabloko intends to appeal in court the caution to Kirill Rumyantsev, Deputy Chairman of the regional branch of Yabloko.

The action in support of political prisoners will take place, as planned, on 30 September from 18:00 to 20:00. The address: Saratov, Pugacheva, 161 (“Business World”), office. 603. Everyone is invited to the event.

UPDATE. Yabloko sent an appeal to the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, signed by Yabloko Chairman Nikolai Rybakov. Rybakov pointed out the illegal interference of Saratov police officers in the activities of the party, and also called for the cancellation of the caution issued to Kirill Rumyantsev, Deputy Chairman of the Saratov Yabloko.