Another example of disrespect

The Memorial human rights center issued a statement condemning the actions of the Moscow authorities who dispersed the rally in defense of Article 31 of the Constitution.

The statement says:

“On May 31, 2010, in Moscow on Triumfalnaya Square, Moscow and Russian

the authorities have once again demonstrated their disrespect for the Russian

Constitution.

Organizers and participants of actions in defense of Article 31 of the Constitution demand

so that the authorities comply with Russian laws. The authorities do not want to do this

for the ninth time illegally denying independent public

figures in coordinating rallies on Triumfalnaya Square and organizing here

and actions of “pro-Kremlin” pseudo-public entities.

The police acted rudely and cruelly. Those who gathered in defiance of the ban,

to peacefully express their protest, they grabbed, beat, dragged along the asphalt under

deafening sounds of the Russian anthem pouring from the speakers of the official

"rally" in the center of the square.

According to various estimates, from 140 to 170 people were detained. They are long

for several hours, kept in the heat in stuffy, crowded buses; those,

anyone who was outraged by this was beaten.

And yet, more and more citizens are showing readiness to defend their right

to protest - and not only on the 31st. They realize that they have the right

express their opinions when they want, and not when it is convenient for the authorities.

Despite the illegal actions of the police who came to Triumphal Square

in Moscow exercised their constitutional right to “assemble peacefully without

weapons, hold meetings, rallies and demonstrations, processions and

picketing” (Article 31 of the Constitution).

Rights are not given, rights are taken.”