One of the detained defenders of Losiny Ostrov was taken from the police station by ambulance.

On 18 October, police in the Moscow region detained environmental defenders Ekaterina Romanova and Diana Protasova (the latter holds the status of a public inspector for Rosprirodnadzor in the Moscow region), reports the “Govoryat Mytishchi” channel.

They and other environmental activists were documenting violations during construction work in Losiny Ostrov National Park.

Both activists were charged with disobeying the police (Article 19.3 of the Administrative Code). While at the station, Protasova’s health deteriorated—her blood pressure spiked suddenly. She was taken away by ambulance as a result.

Then, at around 23:00, Romanova was released from the station; she has two young children.

• Since July, environmental activists have been trying to stop the construction of a road on this specially protected natural territory. The road would split the national park in two. Authorities in the Moscow region argue that the road is necessary to ease traffic leaving the city of Korolev for Moscow. Park defenders warn that construction will reduce both the habitat area and the number of animals living in Losiny Ostrov and pollute the park.
• On 31 July, police detained four activists who blocked heavy machinery from entering the national park. They too were charged with disobeying the police, for which each was fined 2,000 roubles (about US$22). Later, fines for two female activists were cancelled.