Members of the Russian Opposition Coordination Council have announced plans to hold two mass rallies in April and May.
The first rally is expected to take place on April 6 on Pushkin Square and the second will be held under the slogan “For Freedom!” on May 6 on Bolotnaya Square.
The second rally will also mark one year since the protest, which sparked clashes between the opposition and police ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration. Afterwards, over a dozen of defendants faced allegations ranging from inciting mass unrest to using violent force against law enforcement officials.
The Coordination Council, which was formed in October 2012 and convenes once a month, also plans to hold so-called Saturday "airings" with white ribbons and other opposition symbols, in downtown Moscow.
Author: Julia Alieva