Opposition camps migrating between different spots in Moscow city centre may foster a solution to the problem of having an "official" spot where to voice the public opinion. Inspired by London's Hyde Park, Moscow authorities look to designate a similar place to the policially-savvy citizens.
As a matter of fact, the initiative here belongs to the presidential party. Its head at the State Duma claims that they are going to suggest to locate the proverbial soapbox at the Poklonnaya Hill. It is currently a part of the World War II memorial, located centrally, and spreads across a vast terrain. In the build-up to the presidential elections in 2012 public demonstrations were already held there. The main advantage, as opposed to places in the very centre of Moscow, is that the popular activity should not interfere with the city life or obstruct the traffic. Another possible location is Taras Shevchenko Embankment that boasts a splendid park.
Plans to designate an area for Moscow version of London's Hyde Park have been running undercurrent for some time now, and the process is now likely to speed up. In the evening of May 17 police again detained several protesters from the Kudrinskaya Square camp. No wonder the Government finds it vital to solve the problem of voicing the opinion.
Source: RBC.
Author: Julia Shuvalova