MOSCOW – The authorities in numerous cities across Russia have harassed and intimidated schoolchildren and university students who participated in anti-corruption demonstrations on March 26, 2017, Human Rights Watch said today. Officials also harassed and intimidated parents for allowing children to take part in protests.
“Rather than responding to legitimate public demands for accountable government, the Russian authorities are trying to quash the voices of the next generation of voters,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The opinions of children and young adults matter, and the government should listen to their concerns, not silence them.”
