Youth activists from Russia's opposition Yabloko party protested in St. Petersburg on June 1 against a controversial televised statement by the city's ombudsman about disciplining children.
June 1 was International Children's Day.
Ombudsman Igor Mikhaylov, who took part in a live TV show about family violence, said recently that he used to beat his daughter with a belt and recommended that parents buy soft belts to whip their children in order to avoid internal damage.
Darya Makushina, a protester at the demonstration, told RFE/RL's Russian Service that International Children's Day should be renamed the "Day to Protect Children from the Ombudsman."
To make their point, the protesters gathered in front of Mikhaylov's office with an effigy of the ombudsman, which they then beat repeatedly with a belt while chanting.
-- Russian Service
June 1 was International Children's Day.
Ombudsman Igor Mikhaylov, who took part in a live TV show about family violence, said recently that he used to beat his daughter with a belt and recommended that parents buy soft belts to whip their children in order to avoid internal damage.
Darya Makushina, a protester at the demonstration, told RFE/RL's Russian Service that International Children's Day should be renamed the "Day to Protect Children from the Ombudsman."
To make their point, the protesters gathered in front of Mikhaylov's office with an effigy of the ombudsman, which they then beat repeatedly with a belt while chanting.
-- Russian Service