Moscow authorities have refused to lift the ban on public rallies imposed in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. A letter with a corresponding response from the Department of Regional Security and Anti-Corruption was published by Moscow City Duma deputy Maxim Kruglov.

The department's response states that Moscow is still on a "high alert" regime that will be lifted when the WHO declares the end of the pandemic. (At the same time, in May, State Duma Vice Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy stated that in the near future Russia would have to leave the WHO and the WTO , as well as “other agreements that bring harm, not benefit”).

On July 1, Rospotrebnadzor lifted all restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, regional bans continue to apply.

Coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March 2020. As OVD-Info notes , they significantly limited the possibility of holding public actions, including single pickets. However, the restrictions did not apply to pro-government and patriotic events.

In particular, in March last year, a rally-concert was held at Luzhniki dedicated to the seventh anniversary of the “annexation” of Crimea. The huge stadium, which can accommodate more than 80 thousand people, was completely filled, despite the anti-coronavirus measures in force in the city.