Politics Russia: Protest against internet blockades banned
Following numerous calls for protests in Russia against the blocking of mobile communications and social networks, cities have banned demonstrations in their entirety. In the Moscow region, several cities have issued identical letters banning gatherings.
24.03.2026, 17:43
SDA
This was announced by Russian opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin. The pretext given was the risk of infection with the coronavirus. Nadezhdin accused the authorities of violating the constitution, which is supposed to guarantee freedom of speech and assembly in Russia.
In contrast, mass events, for example by pro-Kremlin organizations, are repeatedly allowed. The media reported that some demonstrations were first approved and then banned. Nadezhdin also called for free access to information.
In the large city of Perm, for example, the authorities only withdrew permission shortly before the start of a demonstration; according to the media, arrests were made there because people were already on the streets. Fines were also imposed, it was reported. Participation in unauthorized rallies is prohibited in Russia. In Krasnodar, the authorities also withdrew a permit that had been granted, citing the danger posed by Ukrainian drone and missile attacks.
Opposition member speaks of heated atmosphere
Nadezhdin, who was not allowed to run against Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in the 2024 presidential election for formal reasons, spoke of a heated atmosphere in Russian society in view of the internet censorship. The protests were not least aimed at the expected shutdown of the most popular network in Russia, Telegram, on April 1.
"People are fed up," he said, referring to the frequent selective shutdown of mobile communications. The whole country is hooked up to the internet. "When they switch off the television, nobody notices," said Nadezhdin.
Officially, the blocks are justified with security concerns to protect against Ukrainian attacks with drones or missiles. There are many reports on social networks from those affected who cannot reach each other in emergencies or cannot pay in stores because there is no internet connection.
According to reports from Moscow's capital, there have also been repeated mobile phone shutdowns in individual parts of the city. Even now, networks such as WhatsApp, X and Instagram or the thousands of blocked websites can only be used via encrypted connections (VPN).
