Moscow allows opposition internet freedom rally

Moscow’s municipal government has given the go-ahead for an opposition rally against internet censorship later this month, amid increasing governmental control and surveillance over online activity.

Due to take place on 23 July, the “For a free internet” march is organised by liberal opposition party the People’s Freedom Party (PARNAS). With two previous applications to rally rejected over alleged roadworks, PARNAS expects up to 10,000 demonstrators to turn out in support of internet freedom.

Together with the broader aim of protesting internet censorship, the participants of the rally will specifically demand the the resignation of the head of Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor, Alexander Zharov, and the release of those detained by police for sharing or “liking” posts on social media.

Begin at 2pm on Strastnoy Bulvar, the rally is slated to last two hours, ending at Prospekt Sakharova.

Earlier this month, Russian lawmakers from State Duma majority party United Russia proposed a bill for the publishing of “false information” on social media to become a criminal offence. In 2016, Russia passed the controversial Yarovaya law, a package of legal amendments intended to combat terrorism that limited internet privacy and tightened government control over the internet.

Source: The Moscow Times