RUSSIALINK: “Moscow govt formally allows Oct. 29 remembrance of victims of repression on Lubyanka Square” – Interfax

FSB Headquarters Building file photo

MOSCOW. Oct 23 (Interfax) – The Moscow government has formally granted Memorial’s request to hold a ceremony commemorating victims of political repression at the traditional venue near the Solovetsky Stone on Lubyanka Square on October 29, Yelena Romanova from the city administration’s regional security department said.

“There was an interagency meeting today to discuss the provision of public peace and security during the mass event, and the Return of the Names event was permitted,” Romanova told Interfax on Tuesday.

The event will take place on Lubyanka Square from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on October 29, she said.

Memorial said last week that the Moscow government had withdrawn permission to hold the event near the Solovetsky Stone because of ongoing repairs.

The report caused a public outcry.

City officials and the organizers of the event met on Lubyanka Square on Monday and reached compromise, agreeing to address the proximity of the construction site together.

The annual event involves reading out names and brief biographies of victims of political repression.

Russia marks the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions on October 30. The Wall of Grief monument on Sakharov Avenue was opened on that day last year.

[featured image is file photo]

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