Federal Consumer Protection Service head Gennady Onishchenko said he "categorically does not recommend taking part in these demonstrations," referring to the opposition march and rally scheduled to be held in central Moscow on Saturday and a pro-Putin event planned for the same day, Interfax reported.
In order to withstand more than an hour in the type of conditions expected Saturday, protesters would need to dress in a way to which they are unaccustomed, including the donning of warm shoes and socks, "which no one wears," Onishchenko said.
He emphasized that young people especially should not take part in the events, given that they "in principle do not accept bulky, warm things, which they do not have." He said the elderly should not participate either, because while they are more careful and try to dress more appropriately for the weather, "their adaptive resources have been exhausted over the course of their whole lives."
The federal weather service is currently forecasting daytime temperatures on Saturday of around minus 14 C in Moscow.
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.