The OVD-Info project has been monitoring detentions and other kinds of political repressions against participants in protest actions since the end of 2011. Since 2012, we have been observing criminal prosecution as one of the most significant measures the Russian authorities take to suppress the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly. For now, Article 318 of the Russian Criminal Code (use of violence against a representative of the state) remains the most popular of all criminal articles in cases against participants of mass protests. However, 2019 and 2021 have shown several new trends. The idea that protesting itself is illegal has become clearer: this can be seen in the growing use of Article 212.1 (numerous violations of the regulations for holding public events). People are being punished not only for organizing or participating in rallies but also for spreading information about them. In addition, the authorities are showing the people that they consider protests a threat to multiple values: safety of children, public health, and community life. All this is reflected in new articles used in connection with mass gatherings: involvement of minors in committing actions dangerous to them, violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules, and putting transport vehicles or communications out of commission. Finally, there is an idea that organizing or calling for mass gatherings can be equated to extremist activities (see the latest criminal case against Navalny).
