Notes from a Literalist

On Monday, the 5th , I went to Chistye Prudy to attend a rally of those who disagreed with the election results. The rally is sanctioned. About 5,000 people gathered (as I could visually estimate), they say there were 7.

The fact that I came to the rally is nonsense for me personally. How far did it have to go for me to crawl out?! But I’m a literalist, I’m not so much against United Russia’s victory in the elections, even if its results were 99%, but given all these numerous documented facts of falsification, I cannot consider either the elections or the government legitimate. Sorry, but such a violation of the law is a spit on all the ideals that a person has.

It’s interesting that later we constantly heard condescending words from law enforcement officials: “Well, you understand what country you live in.” I understand. I live in a country with a total area of ​​17 million km2, located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. I understand falsification as a violation of the laws of our country and a criminal offense. So the only thing I don't understand is the difference in "understandings".

OK. We'll be back. The rally started at 19:00 and ended at 20:00 (or at least a little before they left). I’ll say right away that I didn’t like the rally. I came there to “show respect,” but I didn’t want to shout empty slogans with the crowd, which were even worse than the chants of the fans. “Revolution!”, “Putin is a thief!”, “Down with power!” - this is all good and testosterone is playing. A couple of speakers, however, in my opinion, shouted well: “Constitution!” and “On trial!”

The meeting ended with a call from the stage for the crowd to move to the Central Election Commission and continue standing in Cherkassky Lane. No sooner said than done. The crowd slowly moved out. I went with the first batch. It'll be interesting to see what happens. On the way, I stopped in to buy coffee, and when I left the cafe with a glass, I discovered that I was far behind. Along Myasnitskaya I started to catch up. And what’s surprising... I didn’t catch up! The crowd somehow dispersed (this is a striking feature of the crowd that evening, by the way).

From the remarkable observations around, crowds of riot police are dispersed along the alleys and alleys of Myasnitskaya. I've never seen SO many. The alleys were simply filled with helmets and body armor. Suddenly, movement began behind me, the “cosmonauts” began to block Myasnitskaya in dense rows.

I immediately thought that it would be very easy to get around the cordon along the neighboring streets, since there are a lot of such bypass routes there. Later they told me how the riot police went through... the premises of the Biblio Globus store! :)

It turned out that I was the first and... the only one to come to the Central Election Commission! I stood there for about half an hour and even made a big circle to see if the crowd was suddenly gathering from the direction of New Square. Returning to the Central Election Commission, I found another... ONE comrade. We met and chatted. We decided to take another walk. We went to see the United Russia rally site on Revolution Square. We returned to the Central Election Commission, found no one new, said goodbye and went in different directions.

All this time, riot police and representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs gathered at the Central Election Commission. But somehow sluggish. Some time later ( at about 21-00 or a little later) their actions became a little more organized. The approaches to the Central Election Commission were blocked by buses and a cordon of riot police with shields. But, I repeat, all this was some kind of confusion. And somehow the shields were not held belligerently and some of the cordons on the approaches were removed.

Here I want to note that for a very long time, after the rally ended and before the raids began, no one actually understood what to do. Neither the “oppositionists” filled with righteous anger, nor the forces of “law and order”. The crowd from the Pure Ones walked in very different directions, and did not know where the center was. At some point, having joined a group of people, we began to monitor the situation through Varlamov’s Twitter. Operatively moving through his posts, we each time found ourselves in deserted places. The forces of “law and order” also did not understand what and why to do. Confusion was written on their faces.

My evening turned into a fascinating walk around the city. It was interesting to watch the movement around, listen to different conversations. As a result, I found myself in the company of nice young people at the Pushkin monument.

At 22-20, when we were already getting ready to go to the passage, to the metro, to go home (I note again, we were standing at the monument, behind a wide bronze back, to which the path would not be overgrown), strange people approached us. These people refused to identify themselves, but were dressed in camouflage clothes, which can be bought in stores like Rybalov. Unknown people demanded that we board the buses. We asked to introduce ourselves and show our documents. One of the unknown “fishermen”, the owner of a small black mustache, was guided by the Matroskin code (mustache, paws and tail): “I am a colonel! What the hell kind of documents!”

They started to “pack” us. They politely enough led me by the elbow into the bus. When the interior was filled, the car jerked away.

From that moment on, a marathon of calls began. Almost everyone at the salon called, because for most, the experience of being detained was new. We called, first of all, not even family and friends, but those who could help with advice. Those who have already been detained, journalists, lawyers.

I'll get ahead of myself. There were a lot of calls. At some point an avalanche began. Firstly , people with whom we had not communicated for a long time or those with whom we were not particularly familiar responded and helped, gave advice. There were many calls from those whom we did not know at all, but those who called according to the “six handshakes” principle. And, of course, calls from friends with words of support! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you all for this!

I did not feel unity at the rally on Chistye Prudy. The crowd as a whole was somewhat unsure. None of the slogans lasted longer than the person on stage continued to chant it into the microphone (this is about the lack of real leaders; now a leader is something ephemeral: an idea and resentment). But in the cell and in court there was this unity. It was in the telephone receiver. It was between the detainees. It was thanks to everyone present (including riot police and police officers).

So, we were taken to the Tverskoye police station. Now they are writing to me that they are reporting beatings and harsh detentions. I believe that this could happen. However, we (17 people were taken to Tverskoye, four journalists with bad papers were quickly released) were treated politely. No rudeness. I did not encounter any physical force or insults.

At first we were divided into two groups: on the second floor and on the fourth. On the fourth, we were placed in the premises of the Department of Internal Affairs Museum. Interesting. There were very good pre-revolutionary photographs.

Once again, I am a formalist. I am not so much against the detention as I am against the failure to comply with legal procedures. I already wrote that they didn’t introduce themselves to us, didn’t tell us why they were detained, and didn’t show us any documents. By the way, our passports were also quickly confiscated - without explanation.

As we learned from competent fellow lawyers (Vika, thank you for the consultation!), they have no right to detain us for more than 3 hours without giving a reason. Simple math. 22:46 - we were taken to the Tverskoye police station (according to the protocol, we were detained since 22:30). For the first time I saw the arrest report from which I learned why I was detained at 1:50. It seems that the difference is 20 minutes, but... They didn’t explain anything to us. No reason. Neither right. No rules of law. When we read and signed the report, of course, the employees explained its contents to us... if we asked questions.

So, the long hassle is over. It became clear that we would be kept at least until the morning. We were taken to the first floor. They took things. Laces, of course. We made an inventory. And they put me in a cell. Ilyas was the last to be let into the cell.

Ilyas introduced himself as a “professional troll.” He enjoyed trolling the system. If they have time to write stupid reports and spend the night doing paperwork, then Ilyas demanded a detailed inventory of their things. In particular, copy down the numbers and details of numerous discount cards.

In total, there are 13 of us left in the police department. 10 guys and 3 girls. We occupied two cells. Camera. I hope this place will end up in some magazine like Interior Design, or the Department of Internal Affairs staff will send an application to the Housing Issue. Dimensions (approximately) 2.5 by 3 meters. High ceiling (very, 4–5 meters). Textured walls. There are inscriptions on the door and door frame. On the door: “Putin will be executed” is scrawled. On the box there is “31”. By the way, on the door to the toilet there is an inscription: “Russia will be free.” The way the inscription was made: on a sheet that is located under a plastic panel, and the fact that the detainee, when leaving the cell to go to the toilet, is under the watchful supervision of a police officer, suggests that the inscription could not have appeared just like a quick and secret hooliganism.

We didn't sleep well. Nevertheless, 10 men tried to arrange a seal rookery for themselves. and still the two had to stand and wait in line. But the night passed in conversations, and we fell asleep closer to morning. Daniil (one of the organizers of the nationalist association “Moscow Defense League”) was with us. In the morning he snored so contagiously, occupying a decent piece of space with his powerful body.

Oh yes, what the camera looks like. Enter - a narrow strip of floor, after which a wooden flooring is raised above the floor by one step. This flat and orthopedically comfortable space is intended for lying. At your service is a wrinkled and stained mattress. The room service cleans the corridor and toilet once a day. The cell was apparently being cleaned in the absence of the detainees. There is no breakfast. It seems that the maintenance of a detainee is 30 rubles a day, but we were not fed or given water. However, they actively gave us food and water. The girls from the next cell begged for the opportunity to buy cups of coffee from the machine in the department. It was great coffee! Even better than what was later handed to us from the chocolate shop.

Thank you very much to everyone for these packages with buns, water, sausage, coffee. It wasn't just food, it was information. It was a reminder that the world is wider than a 2.5 by 3 stone bag.

In one of the bags, under bananas, they carried a phone.

Notes 1

It seems I caught a cold at the police station. The wall where I slept was cold. So even though I slept for 12 hours, I still feel tired. And my head hurts. Therefore, now I will talk about some episodes.

I have to say about the wonderful girls. Twin sisters Tamara and Lyuba, and also Dasha, who dreams of teaching English to employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. We constantly confused Tamara and Lyuba. The only thing that didn’t confuse me was Sasha – Lyuba’s husband? Tamara? Either Lyuba or Tamara is an artist. She made wonderful caricatures (she promised to send them). One of them shows how Dasha, a fragile girl about 60 meters tall, resists the riot police forces and blocks Tverskaya, apparently with the bodies of defeated riot police.

Dasha, Lyuba and Tamara actively defended themselves. Petitions were filed. They called witnesses and, apparently, will challenge the court verdict. True, everyone, we all received the same sentence. The only penalty is either a fine of 1000 or up to 3 days. All the girls were released with a fine.

The criminal false trial is only one of the sides of the criminal false government in our country. This is one of the instruments of pressure on society. But the authorities, it seems, should pay attention to the fact that they are using it somehow incorrectly. This trial did not scare anyone. But he only pumped up and confirmed that people were right... who previously did nothing but retweet and like.

Notes 2

The report was standard. Typical errors. And the trial was typical. The same “witnesses” for the prosecution. The same words. In the end, the riot police officers became confused and started talking.

In the corridors, however, other personal conversations took place. Almost all the riot police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs shared our point of view and agreed with many things. Yes, this is “and Vaska listens and eats,” but you should have heard some of them who spoke with feeling, from themselves, and quite reactionary and “seditious” things.

Of course, there was a lot of hypocrisy. But, forgive me for the pretentious words, I was happy that at the trial NOT ONE looked me in the eyes. Even when the judge asked: “Do you know the accused?” they didn’t look at me. NOT ONE of those present in court raised their heads. Neither witnesses, nor some strange riot police.

Notes 3

During the trial I behaved as passively as possible. I don't look like an ideological fighter. I had already experienced the whole range of feelings before the trial. There, in the courthouse, all that was left was to simply walk along the corridors, read forgotten newspapers and be as indifferent as possible. Plus, I desperately wanted to return to my son.

While we were still sitting in the cell, the first news came about those who were detained for 15 days. That's when I was scared. Seems like a stupid time frame. But I was unbearably sad that I wouldn’t be able to see my son for two weeks.

By the way, when the judge left the courtroom, the rest of us, some strange riot policemen (I seriously don’t understand why they were sitting there), we talked mainly about children and cartoons.

So one employee said that he respects Batman because he is the only non-mutant. And Spider-Man he doesn't like . We all agreed that we all love “Three from Prostokvashino”.

And about my passivity. Firstly , we had a pattern: some submit petitions, others do not. Experiment. Secondly , after several meetings, I did not see the point in opposing this particular meeting.

When asked about motions (they were in my pocket) or about comments or questions to prosecution witnesses, I stated that I have motions, questions, and comments, but I see no point in stating them, because they will not be taken into account. “The testimony of S.K. the court does not trust his innocence and regards them as a defensive position chosen in order to avoid responsibility, since they contradict the written materials of the case, as well as the explanations in court of police officers Marchenko A.S., Kurashova O.O., which are logical and consistent and are fully consistent with the case materials. The court did not establish any reason not to trust the testimony of these witnesses.”

I want to make it clear that this trial is absolutely fraudulent, false and “illegitimate.” In a theoretical situation “according to the law,” we would be acquitted after one or two arguments. True, in a theoretical situation “by law,” this would threaten many people with the loss of their jobs.

Notes 4

By the way, another nice addition for you. Dasha went into the paddy wagon absolutely voluntarily. I could be wrong, but it seems she even asked to accompany me. But she was falsely convicted, like the rest of us. That is, the riot police lied that they saw Dasha and that they detained her.

Notes 5

Oh, I didn’t write the most important thing. Why we were condemned. Now, rereading the protocol, I feel the bitterness of unrealized opportunities. So, look, blocking traffic on Tverskaya and resisting the riot police costs only an exciting 24 hours, during which your movements are limited (this is not much different from the home-work-home route ) and 1000 rubles. However, I note once again that this is a blatant lie and just a typical report. We did not block Tverskaya. They didn't resist. Moreover, they were not where indicated in the report. Well, I don’t remember the riot police officers who detained us at the Pushkin monument. For example, I was led onto the bus by a handsome and tall guy. In court, two men of average height and not very attractive testified against me.

Notes 6

The past 24 hours have been incredibly information-rich. It’s rare that your personal sense of self is made up of multiple information flows. When you perceive, not only the “objective” reality of yourself here and now, but you also feel yourself somewhere .

I was so shocked by the story of my Bryansk friend. Kirdos with his band moved to Moscow to support us (well, gonzo duty calls to be on the front line!) Soon he called with news that shocked me. Their car was stopped on the Kiev-Moscow highway and simply turned around, not allowing them to move forward.

Article 27

1. Everyone who is legally present on the territory of the Russian Federation has the right to move freely, choose their place of stay and residence.

2. Everyone can freely travel outside the Russian Federation. A citizen of the Russian Federation has the right to freely return to the Russian Federation.

Notes 7

I want to say one simple thing. I'm not really against detention. I am extremely disgusted by the lies with which this detention is justified. There is not a SINGLE word of truth in the arrest report. There was not a SINGLE word of truth at the trial. This is what is important for me to tell.

Notes 8

Probably, a little later I will post a scan of the report and the court decision. Although these pieces of paper do not deserve attention. At least because of the number of mistakes that were made in them. Judge for yourself. From the report:

"at approximately 22:30"

“to the request of a police officer in connection with their execution”

"the roadway on Tverskaya Street"

Notes 9

A small but piquant addition. When they began to detain us at Pushkin’s, we were in the process of an active and emotional discussion of the idea of... joining the United Russia party! If slogans were heard from our group, they were like this: “We believe the election results!”, “Falsification is a blatant provocation!”, “Medvedev cannot lie!”

PS By the way, not only did they not introduce themselves to us, they didn’t show us any documents, but they didn’t even offer us to leave.