Press Release, 9.09.2024

Photo: Charity auction in support of political prisoners at Yabloko in September 2023 / Photo by the Yabloko Press Service

The Moscow Mayor’s Office denied Yabloko permission to hold a rally in support of political prisoners, citing COVID restrictions. Instead of a street rally, the party intends to hold a fifth auction in support of those unfairly deprived of their liberty. The previous four charity events for political prisoners raised over 4.6 million roubles.

Kirill Goncharov, Deputy Chairman of Moscow Yabloko, commenting on the response from the Moscow Mayor’s Office, noted that the applicants for the rally had no illusions, the decision of the Moscow authorities was obvious.

“The position of the Moscow authorities is simple: no street activity. Civil activists are punished with fines and arrests for any attempts to express their political position. Nevertheless, Yabloko continues to work to protect political prisoners. If we cannot go out to the streets to Muscovites, then we invite all citizens to us. To our actions of writing letters to polistical prisoners, and also offer to take part in an auction, all proceeds from which we will send to political prisoners. Hundreds of people in our country are now suffering for their views and beliefs. It is in our power to help them,” Kirill Goncharov commented.

The approximate date of the charity auction in support of political prisoners is 24 September. The announcement and lots will be published later.