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Action by writers “Control Walk” creates problem for traffic in downtown Moscow

Around 1,000 people converged on the Pushkinskaya Square for the so-called Control Walk
Photo ITAR-TASS
Photo ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, May 13 (Itar-Tass) — The action by men of letters “Control Walk” has created problems for traffic in downtown Moscow. Road traffic inspectors were forced to limit traffic at the place of staging the event, the press service of the Moscow police department told reporters.

“Around 1,000 people converged on the Pushkinskaya Square for the so-called Control Walk; they started now marching in the direction of the Chistoprudny Boulevard,” a press service representative said.

He noted that this action has already created problems for motor traffic in that area, since people walk not only on sidewalks, but also on the carriageway.

“In this connection, a decision was taken on partial restriction of traffic for motor vehicles for safety reasons,” a department representative noted.

The action of writers turned into a mass action. The head of the column is now marching along the Trubnaya Square. At the same time, the Petrovsky Boulevard, including the carriageway along the even side, is completely flooded by people. Traffic on the even side of the Bulvarnoye Circle is sealed off.

Police does not interfere with the march.

Earlier author Boris Akunin initiated the march of men of letters along the Bulvarnoye Circle. The aim of the action is to check up a possibility of free walking along boulevards. Akunin’s action is explained by the fact that Moscow police used to detain people several days ago who moved in groups along Moscow boulevards.

“We intend to walk, only to walk. To walk on foot,” writer Dmitry Bykov told reporters, replying to a question on writers’ plans.

According to reporter Sergei Parkhomenko who joined the action, the aim of “the Control Walk” is to check up a possibility to move around the city freely. “Now we are standing by the Pushkin monument; this is a traditional place for dates and gatherings; and we can state now that it is possible for Muscovites to gather by the Pushkin monument. What will be next, we shall check – this is an experiment,” Parkhomenko said.

Author Alexander Prokhanov tried to convince the gathering and reporters that “they try to channel energy of the protest against statehood rather than against specific persons”.

Authors Akunin, Eduard Uspensky and painter Andrei Bilzho also came to the Pushkin monument. People chatter and ask writers to give an autograph. The situation is quiet. Policemen do not interfere in the situation so far.