The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case on the involvement of minors in the action on January 23

The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case on “involving minors in committing unlawful acts that knowingly endanger life” because of calls to participate in a rally in support of Alexei Navalny on January 23.

The website of the Investigative Committee says that the case was opened based on “the results of checking numerous appeals from various associations of parents of Russian schoolchildren posted in the media.”

Here is the full text of the statement.

Svetlana Petrenko

Official representative of the Investigative Committee

Based on the results of an audit of numerous appeals posted in the media by various associations of parents of Russian schoolchildren, the main investigative department of the Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under paragraphs. "a", "c" part 2 of Art. 151.2 of the Criminal Code (involving minors in the commission of unlawful acts that knowingly endanger the lives of minors through information and telecommunication networks).

On the territory of Moscow and other constituent entities of the Russian Federation, restrictions are in place in the context of the spread of coronavirus infection. In this regard, the authorized authorities refused to hold rallies on January 23, 2021. In the context of a difficult epidemiological situation and current restrictions, holding mass events involving a large number of people creates a real threat of disease for them.

Despite this, Navalny's supporters post publications on the Internet, social networks TikTok, VKontakte, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, in which they call on minors to participate in unsanctioned rallies in Moscow and other Russian cities on January 23.

As part of the criminal case, a complex of investigative actions and operational search activities are being carried out aimed at identifying persons who have published calls to an unlimited number of minors to participate in illegal activities.

Find out more

extremely seriously The authorities are preparing for an uncoordinated protest action in support of Alexei Navalny, scheduled for Saturday, January 23. Here we told you what participation now threatens, what to do if you are detained, whether to wear a mask and what problems may arise with paying a fine.