16 September 2010 Silence in Russia

As Marina Zlotnikova a coordinator of human rights movement ANTIMENT in Russia said, Russian President banned the rally for freedom of speech in Russia, which should take place on Vasilievsky descent near Red Square in Moscow. She was informed about it by the commandant of the Kremlin in ordering tone.
Important, that according Article 8 of Russian Law about assembly only Russian President has right to permit rally near Red Square and Kremlin.
As Marina Zlotnikova told our correspondent, one day before she and one of the activist was pressured and got some threats of their life and health by intelligent services.
In particular, Dmitry Ryabikov from Voskresensk (city 50-miles from Moscow) said, that he was pressured by 2 representatives of Russian intelligent services, as he said, two people are 35-40 years old detained him in the street and explained him, that gathering people to participate in rally on Vasilievsky descent is illegal and they said, he may be shooted and drowned in Moscow-river.
Other activists – Alexey Zelenov, Ludmila Gayduk - from village Rechnik (suburb of Moscow) several days before also were suffered the pressure: their cars were set fire by unknown people during the night.
As Marina Zlotnikova said, the commandant of the Kremlin did not suggest any other alternative places for the rally.
Marina Zlotnikova consider, that the ban of the rally is the proof that the Russian Government is initiator of censorship and Russia goes back to totalitarianism in a worst form when everyone is under total control and under pressure.
But Marina Zlotnikova announced that fighting for freedom of speech in Russia is continuing and her movement and other activists are joining the rally of opposition movement “Democratic election” on 25 September 2010.
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