Investigators have begun questioning witnesses over the May 6 protests in Moscow that turned into violent clashes with police authorities, Russian Prosecutor General Yury Chaika said on Tuesday.
“It is under control. The process is at an early stage … questioning is continuing,” Chaika said.
Over 400 people were arrested and scores injured as the March of Millions protesting Vladimir Putin’s third term as president turned violent when they briefly broke through police lines in a bid to take their protest to the Kremlin walls. Putin’s opponents accuse him of corruption and curtailing political freedoms.
Members of the Public Chamber offered to replace the administrative detention of those detained on mandatory community service for them. “It’s prescribed to introduce so-called compulsory work in their spare time awat from [their regular] work and study rather than remaining in jail,” Public Chamber deputy secretary Vladislav Grib said.
The investigation later opened a criminal case over the “use of violence against a government representative.” Those found guilty could face lengthy prison terms.