Several people, including journalists from foreign press organizations, have been detained in Moscow after authorities initiated a crackdown on protesters at President Vladimir Putin’s election headquarters.
The protest, organized by the wives of mobilized men, was part of a growing movement of women demanding the return of their husbands and sons from the conflict in Ukraine.
The “500 days of mobilization” rally initially took place at the Kremlin’s walls before moving to Putin’s nearby election headquarters, as reported.
Footage shared online showed security forces “snatching random people from the crowd, and only men.”
OVD-info, a group monitoring Russian repression, reported that at least 27 people, with only one identified as a protester, were taken in a police van to Kitay-Gorod station, where they are currently held. The group attempted to send a lawyer to visit the detainees but was denied access.
Mediazona, an independent Russian media group, revealed that among those held were journalists from Kommersant, France Press, and Spiegel, as well as human rights activists. Seven journalists covering the rally were taken to the Basmanny police station, including Andrei Zaiko from the Japanese television company “Fuji,” according to OVD-info.
Police officers communicated of plans to soon release other federal and foreign media employees, except for those considered ‘foreign agents.’ All detainees had their phones confiscated.
Russia’s foreign agents law, expanded in late 2022, encompasses individuals or groups deemed to have “received support and (or) is under foreign influence.” This move by the Kremlin has faced criticism for silencing those critical of Russia’s war on Ukraine, including journalists.
