In Sochi, Lydia Lepsveridze refused to hold protest in Olympic Park

After talking with policemen, Lydia Lepsveridze, a resident of Sochi, signed a refusal to hold protests in the Olympic Park.

Let us remind you that on February 22 Lydia Lepsveridze held an action in Sochi, protesting against the decisions of the courts, which took away her housing and then fined her for the picket she held near the residence of the Russian President. Today, Lepsveridze had planned to repeat her protest; however, policemen came home to her and demanded that the 75-year-old woman went to police station with them.

"When I told them that I held no illegal actions, they said that yesterday video cameras recorded my distribution of leaflets at the entrance to the Olympic Park; and this is punishable. They added that I wouldn't be punished for that, if I refuse from further actions and give a written promise. I felt bad because of my heart; and I agreed to sign the paper," said Lepsveridze.

According to her story, policemen tried to convince her that she should not hold pickets, which spoil the city's image, when "it hosts such a great celebration."

"Our conversation takes place within the framework of the law. If Lydia Lepsveridze feels bad, she can call an ambulance; and we also can help her," Igor Solovyov, the head of the district policemen of the Khosta District of Sochi, has commented on the visit to the woman's home.