Updated 10 September 2019
US Department of State and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel
Warnings: As of 10 September 2019, there are travel warnings to Russia.
2 August: FCO issued alert regarding political protests
30 August: U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued alert regarding planned protests in the city
Situation:
Elections were held in Russia on Sunday, September 8 following months of intense protests
starting in mid-July after the exclusion of many opposition candidates.
The United Russia party should still retain the majority of the 45-member parliament even
though they lost almost a third of their seats in this election. Party suffered a “major upset”
as party’s leader in Moscow, Andrei Metelsky, was not re-elected. Kremlin-backed
candidates did well outside of Moscow.
Protests should be avoided. Protests can be considered a security concern by Russian
authorities and they may exert their authority to return calm and order to protests.
Possible Effects:
Further protests
Disrupted modes of transportation
Increased presence of law enforcement personnel and willingness to use force against protesters to restore order
Increases in traffic, especially near protest sites
Roads blocked by protestors with little to no notice
Blockades placed by police beforehand
Protests which have the possibility of turning violent, especially after dark
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, as these may have the possibility of turning violent
Avoid discussing political topics in public or on social media
Be respectful of the Russian government
Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
If you are caught in a blockade:
Remain calm
Do not exit your vehicle
Allow extra time for travel
Monitor local and social media for updates
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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