June 9, 2017
On June 12 organizers intend to stage anti-corruption rallies or demonstrations in up to 200 cities throughout Russia. The protests are a continuation of demonstrations held on March 26, in which tens of thousands of people turned out. Although authorities have granted permission for many of these events, others are unsanctioned. Demonstrations that occur without permission or those that become confrontational could lead the authorities to disperse them by force. On March 26 many demonstration participants — and bystanders — were arrested. It is possible that similar mass arrests could occur on June 12.
Among the 200 demonstrations anticipated on June 12 the Embassy would like to highlight the following events:
Moscow – The authorized rally will begin at Prospekt Sakharov near the Komsomolskaya metro station at 2pm, and proceed to its intersection with the garden ring road. City authorities issued a permit authorizing up to 2,000 participants. However, given the size of the March demonstrations, there is a potential that a greater number of demonstrators may attempt to participate, possibly exceeding the number permitted.
Yekaterinburg – A rally will take place at the square at the intersection of 8th of March Street and Bolshakova Street, near the Ural Mining University Sport Complex between 2pm and 4pm. Approximately 100 participants are expected.
St. Petersburg – Demonstrators will gather on the Field of Mars for an unsanctioned demonstration in the early afternoon. During a similar rally in March, participants spontaneously spread out to other high-profile locations throughout the city’s historic center and areas frequented by tourists; this could occur again June 12.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General remind U.S. citizens to avoid public demonstrations and to remain aware of their surroundings and patterns on public transportation services that might indicate that protests are gathering.
U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
There will also be Russia Day celebrations taking place at various public locations throughout Russia. The Embassy wishes to remind U.S. citizens that large public events have been the targets for terrorism throughout Europe, please see the Europe Travel Alert (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/Europe.html) . Authorities have also increased security in preparation for the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup.
Police officers will likely be conducting regular identification checks, especially near tourist attractions, rallies, and at other public events. U.S. citizens are reminded to carry their passport or another official form of identification with them at all times.
U.S. citizens can also expect:
· Abrupt disruptions to public transportation services;
· Traffic delays due to numerous street closures;
· A sizable overt police presence around rallies
For further information:
· State Department’s travel website (http://travel.state.gov/) for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Country-Specific Information Sheet for the Russian Federation (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/russia.html) .
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (https://step.state.gov/step/) (STEP (https://step.state.gov/step/) ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, located at 21 Novinsky Blvd. in Moscow, at +7 (495) 728-5577, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays or by e-mail at moscowwarden@state.gov or visit the Embassy website at https://ru.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +7 (495) 728 5000 after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends and holidays.
· U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg: The U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg is located at 15 Furshtatskaya Street, Tel: +7 (812) 331-2600. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS unit by e-mail at StPetersburgACS@state.gov , or by fax at +7 (812) 331-2646, or visit the Consulate website (http://stpetersburg.usconsulate.gov/) . For after-hours emergencies, call +7 (812) 331-2600 and listen to the recorded message for the Duty Officer’s cell phone number.
· U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg: The U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg is located at 15 Gogolya Street, Tel: +7 (343) 379-3001. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS Unit by e-mail at ConsulYekat@state.gov or by fax at +7 (343) 379-4515, or visit the Consulate’s website at https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/yekaterinburg.
For after-hours emergencies, you may call the Duty Officer at +7 (917) 569-3549.
· U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok: The U.S. Consulate General is located at 32 Pushkinskaya Street, Vladivostok, Russia 690001, Tel.: +7 (423) 230-0070. You may contact the Consulate’s ACS unit by email at vladcons@state.gov, or by fax at: +7 (423) 230-0091, or by visiting our website, https://ru.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/vladivostok. The after-hours Emergency telephone number for U.S. Citizens is: +7 (914) 791-0067.
· Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
· Follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/travelgov) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/travelgov) .
