Activists mark tenth anniversary of "Strategy-31" with pickets in Volgograd

Over the past three years, protests in defence of the freedom of assembly have been held in Volgograd in the form of solo pickets; the Mayoralty wouldn't sanction mass actions. Passers-by have supported two activists of the "Strategy-31" campaign, who came out today with posters to the city centre.

Today, the activists, Vladimir Vasilchenko and Olga Karpukhnova, have held their solo pickets in Heroes Alley in Volgograd. Each picket lasted for an hour. Vladimir Vasilchenko stood with a poster: "Citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to hold meetings, rallies and pickets: Article 31 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation" and a banner demanding the resignation of the Mayor. Olga Karpukhnova came out with posters "For Our and Your Rights!" and "Stop Putin! Constitution is for Everyone!"

Today marks the 10 years after the first "Strategy-31" action held in Volgograd, Vladimir Vasilchenko has noted. According to his story, in 2010-2017, supporters of "Strategy-31" held mass actions in central Volgograd, but over the past three years, because of Mayoralty's bans, activists have to resort to solo pickets. According to Vasilchenko, over the past 10 years, activists have never missed the 31 day of the month. "Different numbers of activists take part in actions; and people, no doubt, support us," Mr Vasilchenko has stated.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on January 31, 2020 at 04:11 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.