Court believes Navalny's supporters arrange a rally near Astrakhan ROVD

A fine of 10,000 roubles was imposed by the court on Vyacheslav Kalmykov, who together with other residents of Astrakhan came to the ROVD (District Interior Division) building to support detained activists of the Navalny's local office. Like two other fined activists, Vyacheslav Kalmykov insists that their gathering was not a rally.

Earlier, the "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on January 28, searches were conducted in the Navalny's office in Astrakhan, and activists Kogut and Andrianov were detained. Their supporters gathered in front of the ROVD. Administrative protocols were drawn against four participants of the gathering in front of the police building, including Vyacheslav Kalmykov.

Today, the "Caucasian Knot" has been informed by Vyacheslav Kalmykov that at a court hearing held on March 2, he asked the Kirov District Court of Astrakhan to close the case for lack of an administrative offense. However, he was found guilty. The court imposed on him a fine amounting to 10,000 roubles for violating Part 5 of Article 20.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (violation by a participant of a public event of the established procedure for holding a meeting, rally, demonstration, procession or picketing).

"I tried to explain to the judge that I left home and immediately came to the ROVD to support the detainees and learn about their further fate. I was not aware of any rally and if it was sanctioned or not," the activist said.

Vyacheslav Kalmykov has announced his intention to appeal to national and international courts to challenge the Court's decision.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.