Moscow Denies Permits for Fair Elections Protests
Moscow authorities denied permits for two public demonstrations demanding fair elections, citing outdated coronavirus restrictions despite large-scale events continuing in the city.
Consensus
- Moscow authorities refused to approve two public demonstrations demanding fair elections.
- The refusal was based on coronavirus-related restrictions.
- The cited legal basis was Mayor of Moscow Decrees № 12-UM and № 68-UM, issued between 2020 and 2022.
- Organizers and participants were warned about potential legal liability for holding unauthorized events.
- Large public events such as concerts, festivals, marathons, and sports competitions continue in Moscow.
- The European Court of Human Rights ruled in May 2025 that similar coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings in Moscow and St. Petersburg violated the right to peaceful assembly.
- Similar requests for protests were submitted in ten Russian regions, with rejections in Perm, Izhevsk, and Kazan, while a protest was held in Syktyvkar.
Points of divergence
- The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the restrictions in Moscow and St. Petersburg violate the right to peaceful assembly, and St. Petersburg will fully lift its restrictions on October 1, 2026. — tg_sotavisionmedia
- Vera Myasina proposed holding the protest in the Plushchevo Park in southeast Moscow. — tg_tvrain
Coverage (2 sources)
- Moscow authorities refused to approve protests for fair elections due to 'covid restrictions' — SOTAvision
- Moscow City Hall banned rallies for fair elections due to coronavirus restrictions — Дождь (Telegram)