Moscow clamps down as five activists jailed

Tensions are rising in Russia over planned protests against internet restrictions. In Moscow, police detained five young activists from the Scarlet Swan group who were planning to take part in a rally scheduled for 29 March.

A court subsequently sentenced them to 15 days in jail for disobeying police summonses, Moscow Times reported. Available information suggests some refused to produce documents, while others had their apartments searched and electronic devices seized.

At the same time, authorities have systematically banned similar gatherings in several regions of Russia. In some cities, events initially approved were later cancelled, with reasons ranging from security concerns to more unusual explanations.

Some organisers have managed to leave the country.

(pir)