Protocols are being drawn up against Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) deputies and activists in Buryatia for participating in uncoordinated protests.
In Buryatia, security forces have launched an open campaign of pressure against the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF). Police are preparing an administrative report against State Duma deputy and head of the party's regional branch, Vyacheslav Markhaev, accusing him of “organizing an unauthorized rally.”
The occasion was a routine meeting with Ulan-Ude residents on December 27, where the results of the year and the controversial law on clear-cutting on Lake Baikal, promoted by the republic's authorities, were discussed.
Security forces attempted to disrupt the event by force: buses blocked Revolution Square, police officers intervened in conversations, and effectively forced people out. After this, the repression continued: CPRF People's Khural deputies Bair Tsyrenov and Timur Nimaev were charged with “participating in an illegal protest,” and a case was also opened against Komsomol leader Vitaly Badmaev.
The Communist Party of the Russian Federation's regional committee calls the events a political crackdown and a purge of the field. The party believes the Ministry of Internal Affairs and regional officials are using force to intimidate the opposition and stifle peaceful protests. This pressure is intensifying amid the approaching State Duma elections.
