Protests in support of Ivan Golunov planned for June 12 and 23

Russian journalists, activists, and Libertarian Party members are planning two marches in support of Meduza correspondent Ivan Golunov, according to a Facebook event posted June 10. Golunov is facing dubious drug charges and is currently under house arrest

The organizers of the marches are demanding an end to law enforcement persecution of Golunov and legal consequences for “those who ordered the criminal case, fabricated it, and planted drugs” to target the investigative journalist. They have chosen the slogan “For Ivan Golunov’s Freedom.”

The June 12 march will not be approved by local authorities, meaning that anyone who attends will risk arrest. Organizers have recommended that marchers behave calmly and carry newspapers with articles about Golunov on that day.

The June 23 march is organized in multiple Russian cities by Russia’s Libertarian Party and its Union of Journalists. The two organizations have joined the Vesna movement in submitting applications for government approval of the marches.