May 6, 2012
The day before Putin's third inauguration, a ceremony was held in Moscow. March of Millions. The brutal dispersal of this demonstration is approaching Bolotnaya Square became a turning point in the protest movement in Russia. Dozens were injured, over 400 were detained, more than 30 were charged with criminal offenses, and many were sentenced to prison terms.
"All I was charged with was pulling a police officer's arm while he was detaining someone." (Alexei Gaskarov, sentenced to 3,5 years, DW, 2017)
The protesters protested against the new presidential term. Fishing season He had already served two of the constitutionally permitted sentences, and spent another four years ruling the country from the prime minister's seat. The "March of Millions" was scheduled to run from Kaluga Square to Bolotnaya Square. The route and rally had been coordinated with the mayor's office. The plan for the mass event was published on the website of the Moscow Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
As the crowd of thousands approached Bolotnaya Square, it became clear that the authorities had changed the plan: police had closed off the square's park and nearby bridges. Access to the stage was restricted to a section of the embankment, creating a bottleneck.
Sergei Udaltsov и Alexey Navalny A sit-in was declared. Those walking behind were unaware of this. The pressing mass of people broke through the cordon. A violent dispersal of the demonstrators began.
"Participants in the protest claim that law enforcement officers used force without warning, hitting people with batons and kicking them, tearing their clothes, and unceremoniously throwing them into police vans" (Echo of Moscow, May 7, 2012)
Forty protesters sought medical attention, and 29 security personnel were injured. Riot police complained of damage to 23 helmets, 13 bulletproof vests, 29 batons, and 7 shields. Putin's press conference Sands He regretted that the police hadn't acted harshly enough. Then he clarified:
"For the wounded riot policeman, the protesters' livers should be smeared on the asphalt."
Over the next 12 years, protest in Russia was suppressed through repression and censorship. Protest leaders either fled, are in prison, or killed. The constitution was nullified. And on May 7, Putin's inauguration will take place again.