“The worst thing is that the children and women were scared” - Beglov about the St. Petersburg rally on April 21

Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov, during a report to deputies, commented on the detention of more than 800 people at a rally on April 21 in support of politician Alexei Navalny. The broadcast was conducted on the website of the Legislative Assembly; an excerpt from it was also posted by the Yabloko faction.

“What happened on April 21? A bunch of organizers—I’m not afraid of this word—instigators brought out young people and minor children, thereby disrupting the rhythm of the city. Transport connections were disrupted, performances were disrupted, and an ambulance did not reach someone. Some people missed some of their events and were late for the train or plane. But the worst thing was that the children and women were scared,” Beglov said.

“Do you know how many calls about mining are received every day? Dozens, and sometimes hundreds. During these actions, more than ever, calls are received from abroad about mining <...> This, you know, is blasphemous permissiveness, continued the head of St. Petersburg. - I’ll say something else: a few scoundrels, and a few other scoundrels. With all the understanding of the issues, this did not happen in Moscow, but we did. And it’s a shame for that.”

According to OVD-Info estimates , 840 people were detained at the rally of Navalny’s supporters in St. Petersburg, while in Moscow there were 57 detainees - deputy Boris Vishnevsky, who asked Beglov about the dispersal of the St. Petersburg rally, pointed out this difference. Protesters detained in St. Petersburg also spoke about beating them with batons and using electric shockers on them.