National Bolshevik activists Sergei Grebnev, Ravil Bashirov, and Yevgeny Markin attempted to seize Vladimir Putin's public reception office on Konnogvardeisky Boulevard in St Petersburg yesterday as they demanded to see him for a discussion of anti-crisis measures. They entered the office unhampered, occupied a room, opened its windows, and hoisted black National Bolshevik flags. "This is nonviolent protest. We will not leave before Vladimir Putin comes to see us and accept our terms," Mr Bashirov said. Meanwhile, his two comrades hung out a streamer that read: "Putin, answer for the crisis!" They then proceeded to light fireballs and handcuff themselves to the heater.
Police appeared soon. Three lieutenant colonels ordered to detain the men. Snips were brought, and the handcuffs were cut in 15 seconds. "Where did you get those flimsy cuffs? In a sex shop?" the police guffawed.
The protesters were taken to the district police station. "If they have not attacked anyone, the actions qualify as disorderly conduct, and the magistrate will fine them," Ilgiz Daminov, deputy chief of district police, told Kommersant.
The press service of the United Russia party says no one has been hurt but "it was a dirty trick to play. It has left a nasty aftertaste."
Konstantin Andrianov