 25 September 2011 Russia beyond Moscow and sometimes St Petersburg usually remains unknown to outsiders. Yet, recent attacks on the opposition in Yekaterinburg have attracted the attention of some western publications, including The Spectator and Opendemocracy. Over the past two weeks a series of pickets have been held outside the Russian embassy in London. The aim of the pickets has been to support Maxim Petlin, a local activist detained in a pre-trial detention centre since 26th August on fabricated charges.  Paradoxically, rallies in Yekaterinburg have been allowed to go ahead peacefully. It is only recently that the local Strategy-31 organisers have been directly attacked by the authorities. Maxim Petlin’s recent appeal to be granted bail has been refused and he continues to be held in a pre-trial detention centre. And what this is like is now widely known, thanks to the detailed descriptions left by Sergei Magnitsky of his detention… Demonstrating in support of Maxim Petlin outside the Russian embassy, London, 23 September 2011 The next demonstration in support of Maxim Petlin will take place outside the Russian embassy on 30 September 2011 at 3pm. |
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