Sick of breaking up illegal rallies, police say Russia's authorities have made it too hard to get a permit

Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoi complained today that Russia's authorities have been less and less likely to grant permits for political rallies and demonstrations. As a result, Gorovoi says, Russian police are forced to deal with more and more unsanctioned protests, where it's harder to ensure public safety. 

“We're obligated to take (sometimes quite tough) measures to stop these assemblies, and this plays right into the hands of many quasi-politicians. It would make our work much easier, if these demonstrations were permitted, and they didn't violate Russia's Constitution,” Gorovoi said.