Activists protesting against the installation of a fence in the Bitsevsky forest were detained in Moscow

Activists Alan Chernousov and Rafail Sibagtulin, who are fighting against the development of the Bitsevsky forest, were detained in Moscow. This was reported to OVD-Info by other activists who participated in the gathering.

Chernousov and Sibgatulin were detained when they asked to see documents authorizing the installation of a fence at the entrance to the natural and historical park. The detainees are in the Konkovo ​​police station. A lawyer from OVD-Info, Nikita Spivak, is coming to see them.

10:15 pm Lawyer from OVD-Info, Nikita Spivak, after some waiting, was let in to see Chernousov and Sibgatulin at the police station, and was allowed to talk for just a minute. After that, the detainees were taken for a medical examination in an unknown direction. The lawyer was not provided with any documents or grounds for this procedure, nor was he allowed to travel with his clients. He wrote a statement to the police officers about initiating a criminal case for not allowing him to see his clients.

22:45 The detainees were released after examination under the obligation to appear.

• In November 2021, the Moscow authorities published information about a procurement for the creation of a “beautification project” for the territory of Bitsevsky Forest. Eco-activists and residents of nearby areas have consistently opposed interference in the ecosystem of the forest park.
• Despite public resistance and numerous attempts to enter into a dialogue with the Moscow City Hall, work began on the territory of the Bitsevsky Forest . Activists hold gatherings at the places where work is being carried out, checking their legality, safety and availability of all necessary documentation.