YouTube's "Russian Community" Removal, Navalnaya's Foundation Outlawed, and an Emergency in Smolensk: Overnight News
The Perm administration denied the opposition permission to hold a rally, while a devastating hurricane in the Smolensk region killed two people. Meanwhile, YouTube blocked the Russian Community's channels, and the Russian Prosecutor General's Office declared Yulia Navalnaya's human rights foundation "undesirable."
Denial of a rally in Perm and an emergency in the Smolensk region
The Perm administration refused to approve a rally against the political persecution of minors, organized by the local branch of the Rassvet party. Authorities justified their refusal by claiming that the purpose of the rally stated in the application was "insufficiently defined" and allowed for "ambiguous interpretation." However, the activists have already amended the wording, specifying the issue of a review of the criminal case against 16-year-old Arseniy Turbin, and resubmitted the documents.
Meanwhile, in the Smolensk region, authorities were forced to declare a state of emergency due to a powerful cyclone with torrential rains and squalls. In Smolensk itself, a nine-year-old child and a 66-year-old woman were killed by falling trees. Furthermore, 34 power lines were damaged in several municipal districts, leaving approximately 15 residents without power.
The return of the Stoptime group's album and the blocking of the Russian Community
Tracks from Stoptime's debut album "V Nukuda s Niotkuda" (Out of Nowhere from Anywhere) have reappeared on streaming platforms. The album is now available on Yandex Music, VK Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. However, the track "Zachem?", previously blocked by Roskomnadzor, remains unavailable to listeners.
Consequently, changes have also affected the media landscape of far-right movements. YouTube completely deleted the main (with 1,2 million subscribers) and backup channels of the "Russian Community" movement. The official reason given was violation of the service's rules prohibiting the promotion of "extremist and criminal groups." Specifically, the movement actively supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine, cooperates with law enforcement agencies, organizes raids, and writes denunciations of events that activists believe contradict "traditional values."
Designation of the Human Rights Foundation as an "undesirable organization"
The Russian Prosecutor General's Office has declared the activities of the American human rights organization Human Rights Foundation, headed by Yulia Navalnaya since 2024, "undesirable." The agency accused the NGO of "discrediting" the Russian military, assisting the US authorities in imposing sanctions, and supporting other "prohibited organizations."
