Seven members of the National Bolshevik party were arrested in Krasnodar, a major city in southern Russia, after being detained at the ‘Limonov Readings’ event.

A court in Krasnodar, a major city in southern Russia, has sentenced seven activists to between two and ten days’ administrative detention under the article on displaying prohibited symbols (Article 20.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences). This was reported by the Telegram channel “National Human Rights,” which covers the persecution of National Bolsheviks.

The National Bolsheviks Ruslan Khubaev, Ilya Pakhalenko, Mikhail Matyazh and Anatoly Belyshev each received five days’ detention. Yana Auzina and Alexandra Papsheva were each given two days’ detention, while Alexey Leonenko was sentenced to ten days.

The police and the court deemed the symbols of the party “The Other Russia of E. V. Limonov” to be prohibited. The channel notes that this symbol is not banned and is not included in the list of extremist materials. It is the symbols of “The Other Russia’s” predecessor, the National Bolshevik Party, which are officially banned. The flag displayed at the event had similar elements but is not officially prohibited.

In addition, Ruslan Khubaev was given a further five days’ detention under the article on organising an unauthorised public event (Article 20.2 of the Administrative Code). The same protocol was drawn up against a supporter of the National Bolsheviks, Kirill Dultsev, who was detained at the readings. He received three days’ detention.

The “Limonov Readings” were held in Krasnodar on 17 January. The event featured poets and musicians, and there were flags of “The Other Russia” and “Novorossiya” displayed in the venue. The location of the event could only be obtained after registering with Khubaev. During one of the performances, law enforcement officers burst into the venue, where around 50 people were present. Some attendees were forced face down on the floor. Most were released without charge or explanation. Eight detainees were held at a police station to await trial.