Press Release, 19.02.2021

Photo: Monument to the victims of political repression in Novgorod / Photo by the Press Service of the Novgorod branch of Yabloko

Sergei Busurin, Mayor of Novgorod, refused to the Novgorod branch of Yabloko in holding a march and a rally in memory of the Russian politician Boris Nemtsov “For freedom and against repression”. The Mayor’s Office referred to the restrictions established by the decree of Andrei Nikitin, Governor of the Novgorod region, “On the introduction of a high alert regime”. The regional branch of the party intends to appeal in court against the refusal to approve the commemorative action.

Activists of the Novgorod Yabloko emphasise that there have been mass public events organised by the authorities in the Novgorod region in the past week, these events were held without observing the mask regime and social distancing. Hundreds of people were present at these events and the authorities allowed all this, encouraged and even participated.

“As soon as Yabloko applied, and in compliance with all the requirements of the law, there was a refusal. Following the principle “yours can do anything, and for others there is the law” the cheaters took out the Governor’s decree, which the authorities do not implement when they are concerned in terms of holding their public events, and no one of them bears responsibility for violating the law,” Anna Cherepanova, regional MP and Chair of the Novgorod branch of Yabloko, said.

“We do not agree with the refusal and will appeal against it in court,” Anna Cherepanova stressed.

It should be noted that On 17 February, protocols of administrative offence were drawn against  Anna Cherepanova, Chair of the Novgorod branch of Yabloko and deputy of the City Duma, as well as Ksenia Cherepanova, head of the regional branch of Yabloko’s Anti-Corruption Policy Centre. This happened after they applied for holding the March in Memory of Boris Nemtsov.