By Vera Vasilieva 

Source: HRO.org 

· Electoral rights  · Protest movement  · Moscow city & Moscow region 

On 26 February Moscow witnessed what was perhaps its most unusual peaceful public protest in the last several decades, which had no leaders or organizers but united tens of thousands of individuals. The “Big White Circle,” as it came to be called, linked up at approximately 2:00 p.m Moscow time, undaunted by bad weather and provocations from pro-Kremlin youth. 

Demonstrators came out along Moscow’s downtown Garden Ring, facing towards the center, and joined hands. Nearly everyone carried a white ribbon, white balloons or white flowers. The human chain symbolized not only a non-violent protest against election fraud, lies and corruption prevailing in the corridors of power, but also a stand for public unity. [Read more]