Protest rally in Arkhangelsk
In an unsanctioned rally, more than 150 people yesterday assembled in the central square of Arkhangelsk to show their protest against the recently held city mayor’s elections. Surrounded by police, the protesters put fire to a puppet resembling Mayor Viktor Pavlenko.
The regional administration originally turned down the protesters’ request to hold the meeting. Despite warnings from police, 150 individuals refused to leave the central square.
Police detained the main organiser of the rally Mr. Vasilii Pozdeev, as well as a man wearing a provocative t-shirt, Rosbaltnord.ru reports.
The protest comes after the recent scandal mayor’s elections in the city. The local election commission originally declared opposition candidate Tatiana Bazanova the winner of the vote, but then gave in to the regional political establishment who demanded a recount. The recount showed that Viktor Pavlenko, the man supported by regional governor Ilya Klebanov, had won, and not Ms. Bazanova.
Critics now say that the Arkhangelsk elections were rigged by Mr. Pavlenko and his friends in the regional administration.
The elections in the politically unstable Arkhangelsk Oblast has attracted attention far beyond the northwest Russian region.
Read more:
Arkhangelsk mayor inaugurated 9 June 2008
Arkhangelsk police dispersed student demonstration 4 June 2008
Election loser appeals to President 3 June 2008
New election results in Arkhangelsk 30 May 2008
Election confusion in Arkhangelsk 28 May 2008
