Press Release

The Russian government’s latest refusal to grant permission for a peaceful demonstration in support of freedom of assembly in Moscow on January 31 is a blatant violation of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, as well as Russia’s international legal obligations to ensure freedom of assembly. Freedom House calls upon authorities to refrain from the use of force if the demonstration proceeds without a legal permit.

The demonstration, organized by leading Russian rights activists, is planned to protest repeated attempts by Russian authorities to deny the right “to gather peacefully and to hold meetings, rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets,” as guaranteed by Article 31 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). 

“By demonstrating such a flagrant disregard for fundamental rights and its own constitution, the Russian government only reinforces the authoritative and undemocratic atmosphere that persists in Russia today,” said Paula Schriefer, Freedom House’s director of advocacy. “It is an unfortunate irony that citizens are being denied the ability to peaceably assemble by the very law meant to protect their right to do so.”

Activists have applied to Moscow authorities on numerous occasions for a permit to hold the demonstration on the 31stday of the month to symbolize Article 31, but have been denied seven times based on technicalities and legal loopholes. After the most recent denial in December 2009, a group of demonstrators—including prominent and internationally recognized activist, Ludmila Alexeeva—attempted to hold a gathering in the center of Moscow, but were violently dispersed by heavily armed riot police. Numerous activists were injured and arrested during the unprovoked clash with police, including the 82-year-old Alexeeva.

Russia is ranked Not Free in Freedom in the World 2010, Freedom House's survey of political rights and civil liberties, and Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2009.

For more information on Russia, visit:

Freedom in the World 2009: Russia

Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.  

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