MOSCOW, September 3 (Itar-Tass) —— More than 16,000 policemen, interior ministry troops and public order squads will ensure security in Moscow on City Day, the press service of the Russian Interior Ministry’s Moscow department told Itar-Tass.
Festive events will be held on September 3 and 4. On Saturday, the number of events will be minimal, as it is the day to commemorate the victims of the Beslan attack of terrorists.
More than 600 events are planned for Sunday. The number and the format were taken into consideration when the plan to ensure public order and security was drawn up.
Policemen have no days off and will remain on alert during the weekend. One hundred percent of the staff of the police department, including investigators, will work, a press service official said.
All the places of mass events before the beginning will be examined by policemen with dogs trained to find explosives.
Routes are determined for transport to carry participants and guests with special passes to the places of festive events. Traffic in central Moscow will be blocked if necessary. The access to Red Square is limited in connection with the festivities. The metro will work as normal.
The police department has set up an operational headquarters for the period of preparation and celebrations. Such headquarters are set up at all the district police offices and the metro.
Control is tightened up over stores and booths to prevent sale of alcohol products and drinks in glass bottles.
In 2010, more than 2.2 million people participated in festive events on City Day in the capital. About 500,000 walked in central Moscow.