MENU
SECTIONS
OTHER
CLASSIFIEDS
CONTACT US / FAQ
Advertisement
Russian President Vladimir Putin
1
MORE

Putin bans rallies in Olympic Sochi for 2.5 months

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Putin bans rallies in Olympic Sochi for 2.5 months

MOSCOW  — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree banning demonstrations and rallies in Sochi for two and a half months around the Winter Olympics.

The decree, published in the government newspaper today, says all “gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets” that are not part of the Olympics or Paralympics will be prohibited in Sochi from Jan. 7 to March 21.

The Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi on Feb. 7-23 and the Paralympics March 7-16.

Advertisement

The decree also orders other measures aimed at tightening security in Sochi, such as restricting vehicle entry.

Government-imposed protest bans across entire cities where Olympics are held are unusual, and Putin’s decree could be aimed at heading off demonstrations against Russia’s ban on so-called gay propaganda.

First Published August 23, 2013, 2:44 p.m.

Advertisement
RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS  
Join the Conversation
We value your comments and civil discourse. Click here to review our Commenting Guidelines.
Must Read
Partners
Advertisement
Russian President Vladimir Putin  (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Advertisement
LATEST sports
Advertisement
Pittsburgh skyline silhouette
TOP
Email a Story