Kremlin Slams Rally against Coronavirus Lockdown in Vladikavkaz as Illegal
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A rally in Vladikavkaz, the capital of Russia’s North Caucasus republic of North Ossetia, against the coronavirus lockdown was illegal, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
"In any case, this rally was illegal," Peskov said.
These protests could have negative consequences given the current epidemiological situation in the country, the Kremlin spokesman said. "People gathered there and, obviously, without observing any social distancing. This could result in some negative consequences in a couple of days. This is evident for everyone," Peskov noted, TASS reported.
An initiative group was set up to discuss the protests, Peskov said, noting that people could use this mechanism to complain to regional authorities about their problems. "This can be done calmly in the form of a dialogue."
He called on the authorities to "carefully listen to what people say and react to their complaints and problems."
Protesters gathered outside the government building in downtown Vladikavkaz on Monday demanding the cancellation of the self-isolation measures declared in North Ossetia until April 30. The North Caucasus republic has confirmed 177 coronavirus cases and two deaths. A total of 1,075 people remain under medical supervision in the republic.
