Tourists who have booked a trip to Moscow for the start of next month could be left feeling short-changed as Red Square will be closed to the general public until Oct. 11.
The closure of one of the city's foremost sightseeing spots coincides with a number of events taking place there at the start of October, the Federal Protective Service said, Dozhd television reported Monday.
On Oct. 7, the Olympic torch for the Sochi Winter Games will set off from Red Square on its 65,000-kilometer relay through Russia.
Another reason for the shutdown is that the nearby Manezh Square is being used as one of the venues for the that will be held from Oct. 4-8.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
