Save Khimki Forest!

Over the weekend, in 49 Russian cities and other locations demonstrations were organized in solidarity with the Khimki forest defenders and their  fight against corruption and destruction of environment in Russia.
Check out this link and scroll down to see photos of the different locations.

Sadly, officials proofed once again not being able to respect peaceful protests for environmental protection.
In the Krasnodar region, North Caucasus, activists of the “Environmental Watch on the North Caucasus“ (вахты по Северному Кавказу), carried out a solidarity demonstration near the summerhouse of the governor of the Krasnodar region, Alexander  Tkachev. 

While walking along the fence of the house towards the sea (on public land), three people were arrested and one of them was beaten up during the arrest by a man in civilian clothes. The trial of the three arrested activists took place at night, without any witnesses. Victor Chirikov, activist of the movement „Solidarity“, was sentenced to 15 days, and two activists of the Gelendzhik Human Rights Center to 5 days in jail. The official explanation is a violation of article 19.3 - disobedience to the lawful order of a police officer -  although the activists didn’t enter into any altercations nor did they provide any resistance. 

When leaving the court, the activists had announced to go on hunger strike in protest against illegal detention and arrest.

 

If you would like to help, please get in contact with the Environmental Watch on North Caucasus:
тел./факс: (8772)540607; E-mail: envwnc@gmail.com; Skype: ewnc.org