On the evening, residents of Moscow’s Kuntsevo district planned to hold another gathering near the site of tree cutting in Moskvoretsky Park and collect signatures for an appeal to local authorities. Novaya-Europe learned that several police vehicles and a prisoner transport van arrived there before the action began.
According to participants, at least three people were detained. Several others had their passports checked and were issued warnings. The gathering was then canceled.
What happened the day before
A day earlier, more than 100 people took part in a gathering against the tree cutting. At least two people, a man and a woman, were detained. Police drew up protocols accusing them of disobeying officers and fined each of them 4,000 rubles. They were released the following day.
What is happening in the park
On May 23, builders began cutting down trees in Moskvoretsky Park in Kuntsevo. During the first two days, the forest belt was reportedly completely cleared and asphalt was partially laid. The work is continuing.
According to Alexey Alexandrov, prefect of Moscow’s Western District, an unspecified military facility is being built on the park’s territory, with the Defense Ministry acting as the client. He said the builders had been tasked with finishing the construction within ten days. At the same time, local residents have not been shown the construction permit.
Under a “special permit” issued by the city authorities on May 22, 684 trees are to be cut down. However, workers at the site reportedly say that a new permit has been issued for the cutting of more than 2,500 trees.