Russian officials say 134 demonstrators arrested last week are draft dodgers

Russia’s Investigative Committee reported on Friday, August 2, that 134 people detained at Moscow’s unauthorized demonstration on July 27 are suspected of evading military service “for a protracted period.” Spokespeople for the agency say the 134 suspects are all Moscow residents, and it remains unclear if the police also intend to prosecute arrested demonstrators who live outside the capital.

Officials say they have already received the needed case materials to bring felony charges against 16 supposed draft dodgers.

• The maximum penalty for evading Russia's draft is two years in prison.
• Every weekend since July 14, thousands of demonstrators have joined mass protests against local election officials’ refusal to register dozens of independent candidates in September’s City Duma race.