Russia to limit web entry forward of pro-Navalny protests – POLITICO

Officers have warned Russians in opposition to attending demonstrations this weekend in assist of Russian opposition chief Alexei Navalny, who was detained final Sunday.

In line with a press launch by the Russian Prosecutor’s Workplace, police can be “centered on taking preventive measures, and if there are grounds — bringing the responsible individuals to administrative duty.”

It additionally warned that web visitors can be monitored to “prohibit entry to unlawful info,” and that these present in breach “have been warned in opposition to breaking the regulation.”

State communications watchdog Roskomnadzor cautioned social media platforms in opposition to encouraging minors to take part within the rallies.

“Administrative motion can be taken in opposition to web platforms,” the watchdog stated, including that failure to take away “banned info” may end in fines of as much as 4 million rubles ($54,000).

Authorities additionally detained 5 of Navalny’s aides, together with his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh, activist Lyubov Sobol and marketing campaign supervisor Anastasia Panchenko, in line with the Guardian. Belarusian lawyer Vladlen Los has been ordered to go away Russia.

Karmysh tweeted whereas in custody: “Nicely, I’m left in a single day in an administrative detention cell. The trial can be tomorrow, at what time — unknown.”

“January 23 is to be legendary,” she added, referring to the deliberate weekend protests.