Press Release, July 1, 2013

On June 29 civil activists organised a lawful rally in support of LGBT-rights in St. Petersburg which was disturbed by the so-called “orthodox” activists who attacked the participants of the rally.
Opponents of the rally threw stones and smoke barrels at the activists. Four activists were beaten by the attackers. The police did not take measures to stop the violence. Instead the police officers demanded to stop the rally referring to the decision of the city administration. Later they started to detain the activists. The actions of the police were unlawful as the rally was held at Marsovoye Polye (the Field of Mars – the city’s “Hyde park”). According to the law, rallies in such places do not need special sanctions.

The police officers were attacked as well, the two of them were hurt.

It is not the first time such a situation takes place. On May 17 the activists who organised a rally at Marsovoye Polye were also attacked and the police demanded to stop the action asserting that they could not provide security.

St.Petersburg branch of YABLOKO claims that what had happened is a challenge not only to the society, but to the city authorities as well.

Why can the police drive off opposition rallies, but cannot allegedly resist the attackers and ensure safety at a lawful action? And why the law that guaranties the lawfulness of public actions in “Hyde Parks” can be broken?

Chair of St. Petersburg branch of YABLOKO Andrei Palevich believes that a dangerous precedent took place at Marsovoye Polye: the police are looking for a reason to stop the legal action they do not approve of instead of protecting the citizens from the attackers.

St. Petersburg branch of YABLOKO demands a public and open investigation of the case and investigation of the legality of the actions of the police and St. Petersburg Administration. YABLOKO also demands opening of a criminal investigation against the attackers and resignation of the officials who are in charge of what had happened. YABLOKO also demands governor of St. Petersburg G. Poltavchenko and head of St. Petersburg Department of the Russian Ministry of Interior S. Umnov to take measures to prevent such situation in the future.