Tonight, on 30 April 2024, during a peaceful rally, while citizens were expressing their peaceful protest against the Russian law, the Ministry of the Interior, without any apparent reason and due warning, started dispersing the crowd. The MoI forces used disproportionate force. Some protesters were beaten up. Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray, and water canons. Many protesters were arrested.

We call on the MoI to stop using force against the peaceful protesters and allow them to exercise their freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression in a secure environment. 

We call on the Special Investigative Service to investigate the crimes committed by the police officers.