Court case and possible imprisonment on Friday

St Petersburg G8 Summit

CWI supporters released by police

Earlier today, we found out that CWI comrade, Victoria Gromova, and CWI sympathiser, Natalia Zvyagina, who were detained by St Petersburg police, earlier this week, along with several anti-G8 activists, were released in the last few hours. They were held at No 1 RUVD (Police) for the Admiralteiskii raion, since 11 July.

The Russian CWI comrades thank all those who protested for the release of the activists. This undoubtedly helped make the police decide to release Victoria and Natalia and the other activists. It was clear the St Petersburg police were rattled by the international protest campaign.

However, Victoria and Natalia and other activists will appear in a Petersburg court this Friday. We believe they will be charged with something like holding an "unsanctioned demonstration". This refers to a small protest, held earlier this week, in Petersburg, against nuclear waste dumping in Russia, at which Victoria and Natalia and others were arrested. Victoria and Natalia travelled to Petersburg as key members of the Legal Team established to provide legal advice and assistance to protesters attending the Russian Social Forum, held during the G8 summit, which starts tomorrow. The Putin government aims to try to intimidate protesters and to use repressive laws to try to stop protesters opposing the neo-liberal and imperialist policies of the G8 powers.

Victoria, Natalia and the other protesters, could face a seven day prison sentence, if found ‘guilty’ by the court. Therefore, it is vital that protests are made to the Russian authorities, calling for the immediate dropping of charges against the protesters. Please send protests to Russian embassies and consulates in your country.

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