Five Losiny Island defenders were detained by police after they attempted to stop construction work in the national park.
Five defenders of Losiny Ostrov National Park today detained and taken to a police station in Mytishchi, near Moscow. Activists are trying to determine who exactly was taken away by the police.
Earlier, the defenders urgently arrived at the park because road construction workers had arrived. For about a month, the activists on duty on the territory and regularly cause call the police to the work site if they see suspicious vehicles.
A contractor representative informed the defenders that he had all the necessary permits for road reconstruction in the national park, and that the asphalt chips being stored on the site were classified as Class 4 hazardous waste and posed no threat to the environment. The contractor asserted that they could be used for road repairs.
The police, who responded to the activists' call, refused to stop the work. They claimed the company had all the necessary documents in order. If residents believe otherwise, an inspection is needed.
"If there's something wrong with them, then we'll hold them accountable. We shouldn't let things get to this point, and you're blocking the roads—that's not right," the police officer told the defense.
Activists documented work in the forest: an excavator damaged several trees while unloading asphalt chips.
Local residents are trying to protect Losiny Ostrov National Park: authorities have approved the construction of a road through the protected area to relieve traffic on other roads. Public hearings were held, but residents' questions have yet to receive answers.
Video: chat of Losiny Island defenders.