If not coronavirus, then a drone. Leningrad Region authorities used a new pretext to deny permission to hold a rally.
Communists were banned from holding a rally in support of a Legislative Assembly deputy. Ivan Apostolevsky — due to the potential threat of UAVs. Apostolevsky earlier арестовали for 7 days for an eight-year-old post criticizing Navalny (specifically, for a photo of the politician, which is now considered “extremist symbolism”).
Up to 100 people were planning to gather in the town of Sosnovy Bor. According to local media, the rally organizers wanted to "to express one's opinion" about the arrest of a colleague, as well as about the upcoming regional gubernatorial elections and municipal by-elections.
In its refusal, the local administration cited a decision by the Leningrad Region Operational Headquarters dated February 8, 2024, which prohibited street events due to the threat of sabotage using drones.
In recent years, rallies in Russia have been almost completely banned—first under the pretext of the pandemic, now citing threats from drones and the complicated operational situation.
As 47news notes, last year decision The Leningrad Region task force met three days before the environmental rally in Gatchina. It had already been approved by then, but authorities recommended against holding the rally. The protest, however, Took place.
There are simply no protests in the region now. However, officially sanctioned and approved events, especially those with a "positive" or patriotic context, are held without issue. For example, in Vyborg passed large-scale motorcycle festival "Baltic Rally" with thousands of guests.