Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview with reporters after a straight line commented on the protests taking place in the country in recent months. On Thursday, June 15, RIA Novosti reported.
According to the President, such events “are always possible in the framework of democratic procedures”, and any form of protest must comply with the law. However, he called unacceptable the rallies to be used as “tools of self-promotion and personal issues for the sake of self-promotion”.
On 12 June in several cities of Russia, including Moscow and Saint Petersburg, held rallies of the opposition against corruption. It was originally planned that in the capital, the demonstration will take place on Sakharov Avenue (this location was agreed with the authorities). However, on the night of June 12, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny urged his supporters to go out on Tverskaya street, where took place celebrations on the occasion of Russia Day. In an unsanctioned event, according to police estimates, was attended by about 4.5 thousand people. Navalny himself did not appear, he was arrested on leaving his home. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail for violating the rules of holding rallies and demonstrations.
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin has called the incident “despicable and dangerous provocation.” The mayor also expressed confidence that protesters “acted aggressively”, whereas the security forces have shown professionalism. According to the interior Ministry, during the rally were detained about 150 people. Thus, according to the head of the Department of regional security of Moscow Vladimir Chernikov, among the detainees was 136 minors.