Article 31
July 31, 2011
Russian police arrested dozens of demonstrators on Sunday across several cities during what have become regular protests demanding the right to assembly. Media reports described security men roughing protesters up.
Police said around 100 people staged a sit-in in a square in central Moscow, but Alexander Averin of the "Other Russia" opposition group told the AFP news agency that around twice as many took part.
A police spokesman was quoted by Russia's Interfax news agency, indicating that what was described as an "unauthorized demonstration" would be allowed to go ahead.
"As long as they do not represent a danger to anyone else, no measures will be taken against them," the spokesman said.
Russian authorities often justify bans on demonstrations on the grounds of protecting public safety and order. Demonstrators have chosen to use the sit-in as a protest form to demonstrate their peaceful nature.
Arrests
However, dozens of protesters were reportedly taken into custody after the sit-in ended and demonstrators began marching towards the Kremlin. The Internet site namarsh.ru said more than 70 were arrested.
Demonstrators also gathered in St. Petersburg, and there too the protest was broken up by police, with a few dozen activists being arrested. Radio station Echo of Moscow reported that police had used violence to break up the gathering.
The protests were the latest in a series of demonstrations by Russian activists, held on the last day of months that have 31 days. Demonstrators are demanding the implementation of Article 31 of the Russian constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
Author: Chuck Penfold (dpa, DAPD, AFP)
Editor: Kyle James