The Russian Interior Ministry and the Prosecutor General’s Office warned citizens against taking part in unauthorized rallies, scheduled to take place in Moscow and other Russian cities on Sunday, January 31, TASS reports.
"The Interior Ministry of Russia calls upon citizens to refrain from taking part in unauthorized rallies. We strongly recommend citizens to warn their underage children, other relatives and friends against taking part in unauthorized events," Russian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk told TASS.
In her words, organizers of such events incite participants to behave aggressively towards law enforcement officers deployed in the area to maintain public order.
"The aim of instigators is to provoke clashes between participants and law enforcement officers," Volk continued, adding that the risk of provocations remains high under present-day conditions.
The Russian Interior Ministry assured that any violence committed against police officers or refusal to obey their legitimate demands will be prosecuted. Besides, participation in mass events constitutes a breach of epidemiological restrictions imposed amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, it entails administrative responsibility, and in some cases, even a criminal one.
Meanwhile, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office warned that attempted provocations and violence during the unauthorized rally can be prosecuted under Article 212 of the Russian Criminal Code (Mass Disorders).
"It should be particularly noted that engaging underage persons into the above-mentioned unlawful activities can be prosecuted under Article 150 of the Russian Criminal Code [Involvement of a Minor in the Commission of a Crime]," prosecutors said.
Besides, participants also face administrative responsibility under for violating rules of holding mass events.
