SAINT PETERSBURG -- Police in Saint Petersburg detained four participants at the so-called "March of Consent," a demonstration organized by several anti-fascist groups to mock pro-government slogans.
At the January 25 rally, about 40 participants held posters reading "Let's Help Officials Raise Housing Fees!” "Yes To The 12-Hour Working Day!", and "Yes To Price Increases!" Demonstrators at the front of the group held a long banner with the colors of the Russian national flag and an inscription stating: "We Agree with Everything!"
The protesters carried portraits of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Transport Minister Igor Levitin depicted as saints with halos above their heads.
One demonstrator, Yekaterina Vargina, told RFE/RL that she saw police detain four participants, who were later released. She said that Aleksey Yaremo, the organizer of the demonstration, faces charges of dishonoring the Russian flag.
At the January 25 rally, about 40 participants held posters reading "Let's Help Officials Raise Housing Fees!” "Yes To The 12-Hour Working Day!", and "Yes To Price Increases!" Demonstrators at the front of the group held a long banner with the colors of the Russian national flag and an inscription stating: "We Agree with Everything!"
The protesters carried portraits of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Transport Minister Igor Levitin depicted as saints with halos above their heads.
One demonstrator, Yekaterina Vargina, told RFE/RL that she saw police detain four participants, who were later released. She said that Aleksey Yaremo, the organizer of the demonstration, faces charges of dishonoring the Russian flag.
