Hundreds of Russians march shoulder-to-shoulder to protest lockdown measures

Hundreds of demonstrators marched on Monday in Vladikavkaz, the capital of North Ossetia republic in Russia, to protest against lockdown orders and job losses, according to state-run TV channel Alania and Russian agencies.

In videos emerging on social media, the Russian protesters demanded the resignation of the head of the region and financial support from the authorities due to mass job losses amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Lawmakers in Russia responded with a video urging people to stay home and form an initiative group to address the issue of job losses and financial troubles due to the lockdown, state-run agency RIA Novosti reported.

Police special units largely dispersed the demonstration, arresting three organisers, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors protests as well as police activity in Russia.

The protest had been initiated by an opera singer who posted videos last week saying the coronavirus was a “made-up disease” and the imposed measures are inadequate, local media reported.

“Calling on the population of the republic to disobey and violate the regime of self-isolation, the suspect formed an opinion among citizens that there are no circumstances that constitute a threat to their life and health,” a statement from investigators said.

“As it was established by the investigation, this information does not correspond to reality.”