22:36, 2 March 2004

Attack on antiwar picket in Petersburg

A regular picket against the war in Chechnya was held in Petersburg, at the intersection of Nevsky Avenue and Malaya Konyushennaya Street, on February 29. An attack was made on the group of about 20 picketers (anarchists, anti-Fascists, Bolsheviks-internationalists, and rights defenders). The attacker tried to tear down the transparency "Freedom to Chechnya!" and hit the picketer who held it with his leg. Picketers put up resistance. A scuffle started.

Police officers sent the attacker to a traumatology center. Two picketers were conveyed to a police department for giving explanations. Both the sides of the conflict are accused of committing an administrative offence - minor hooliganism.

The police brought the final decision to court. The trial will be held on March 10. The next picket of the Antiwar Committee is to take place on March 7.

Source: Indymedia independent media center (Russia)