Picket in defence of pensioner accused of extremism dispersed in Stavropol

The police have dispersed a picket held in Stavropol on May 4 at midday in front of the House of Justice in defence of pensioner Valentina Prasolova, who was accused of extremism. According to the police, the action was illegal.

The event was organized by the regional branches of the movements "People's Council" and "Parents' Committee of Stavropol Territory". The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by the organizers that the picket was timed to the court session held by Judge Evgenia Aleinikova on the case of pensioner Valentina Prasolova, accused under Part 1, Article 282, of the Russian Criminal Code: "Kindling of ethnic hatred".

The reason for the criminal persecution was the fact that last year Prasolova, 64, entered domestic quarrels with his neighbours – ethnic Armenians, and used words humiliating their national dignity.

The neighbours went to the police; and on consideration of their application, in November 2011, a criminal case was initiated, which is currently considered by the Lenin District Court.

The picketers were about twenty in number – both young people and pensioners, who held posters reading: "Shame to try pensioner for extremism!" and "Today, grandma is extremist – tomorrow any of us!" and several black-yellow-white flags of the "People's Council".

The arriving policemen demanded from the protesters to disperse, claiming that the event was held in violation of the law.